# Laphria fernaldi Laphria fernaldi, also known as the tiger robber fly, is a cool insect that looks like a tiny tiger! It loves to hunt other insects and can be found buzzing around flowers. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Grasslands - **Also known as:** Tiger Robber Fly ![Laphria fernaldi](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Laphria_fernaldi1.jpg&width=800) Photo: JerryFriedman, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Laphria_fernaldi1.jpg) ## Appearance The Laphria fernaldi is a stout, hairy fly often mimicking bumblebees with its robust, fuzzy black and yellow or orange body. It has clear wings, large compound eyes, and strong, bristly legs, making it visually distinct from many other fly species. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Asilidae - **Genus:** Laphria ## Interesting facts - Despite looking like bees, they cannot sting; their sting is actually a powerful bite! - Robber fly larvae live in soil or rotting wood, preying on other insect larvae! - Some Laphria species are known to hunt other formidable insects, like wasps! - Their scientific name, 'Laphria', means 'greedy' due to their fierce hunting style! ## Special abilities - **Aerial Hunter:** Laphria fernaldi can catch other flying insects mid-air with incredible speed and agility that helps them secure their next meal. - **Venomous Bite:** Laphria fernaldi has a sharp proboscis to inject paralyzing venom into prey, allowing them to overpower insects much larger than themselves. - **Buzz-Off Disguise:** Laphria fernaldi can mimic the look and sound of a bumblebee, which helps them avoid predators who think they might sting. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-40 mm - **Size:** 15-20 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-30 days - **Flight Speed:** 25 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding A fierce insect hunter, Laphria fernaldi preys on other insects caught in flight. - **Age differences:** Larvae hunt insect grubs and other small invertebrates in soil or rotting wood. - **Primary Foods:** bees, wasps, flies, beetles, grasshoppers - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — ambushes foraging bees in flight - **Hunts:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — captures common flies for a quick meal - **Eaten by:** [Eastern Kingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-kingbird) (*Tyrannus tyrannus*) — preyed upon by birds during aerial pursuits - **Hunts:** Common Eastern Bumblebee (*Bombus impatiens*) — often targets bumblebees despite mimicry ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Be careful not to touch insects, as some may bite if they feel scared. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Laphria fernaldi? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Laphria fernaldi's wingspan? 25-40 mm ### How big is Laphria fernaldi? 15-20 mm ### How long does Laphria fernaldi live? 15-30 days ### How fast can Laphria fernaldi fly? 25 km/h ### What does Laphria fernaldi eat? A fierce insect hunter, Laphria fernaldi preys on other insects caught in flight. ### Where is Laphria fernaldi usually found? Grasslands ### How does Laphria fernaldi hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Skagit Valley Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/skagit-valley-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Laphria fernaldi: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/laphria-fernaldi)