One of many species of Robber Fly. These insects seize their prey in flight and inject a fluid into its victims that breaks down the muscle tissue so that it may be easily sucked out by the voracious mouth parts leaving only an empty shell. The powerful long legs grasp the victim as the predation takes place and they have stiff hairs on the face to give protection if a struggle ensues.
Fascinating. I saw similar robber fly on sand dunes in Norfolk back in July but was too slow/clumsy to get a decent photo. Those sharp hairs on its face look intimidating.
ReplyDeleteTerrifying creature! (not you.... the Robber Fly I mean) Thank goodness, in reality, it's only tiny. I feel sorry for its victims though after your wonderful description of their demise! Brilliant photo. :)
ReplyDeleteyour knowledge of mother nature, is absolutely amazing and the clarity of the image is second to non
ReplyDeletePhil, All of nature is fascinating. It is a nasty looking piece of work.
ReplyDeleteLeslie,
I'm a big pussycat, not terrifying at all. It wasn't that small to be honest but luckily they have no interest in humans. Quite a gruesome ending, i thought.
Geordie, Swivel!!
John
John, have you seen the insect sculptures at Durham Botanic Gardens? The one in your photo reminds me of them.
ReplyDeleteLesley
ReplyDeleteThey must be the Millenium Bugs?
I have seen pics of them but the angle is poor and i can't make them out properly. Did you visit the gardens?
John
Yes that's them, the Millenium Bugs.
ReplyDeleteI typed this into google to get a picture for you:
millenium bugs durham botanic gardens
I was stunned to see my photograph on the same page! If you scroll about 1/3 of the way down.... what's that doing there?! lol
I've visited the gardens many times John.
Lesley
ReplyDeleteGoogled what you wrote but no success. Must call in sometime, sounds a good visit.
John
Sorry John, I forgot to say that when you type that into google you then click on images at the top of the page. There are a couple of pictures of the bugs.
ReplyDeleteI did a post about the Botanic Gardens a few months back, which will be why my mugshot is there with all the others. :O) Here's the link to my post:
http://bloomsandbeasties.blogspot.com/search/label/Durham%20Botanic%20Gardens
It's a nice place to visit John...... maybe not what you're used to with photographing birds in wild and rugged places, but you'll probably get some good shots there nevertheless...... and a cup of tea and scone in the cafe. :D
p.s. Just in case you didn't know John.... if you double-click on a photo and then put the cursor on it again, you'll see a cross. Click once and it becomes even bigger still. I've just discovered it. :O)
ReplyDeleteLesley,
ReplyDeleteHaving looked, i remember reading your post re. Durham Botanic Gardens......old age, DON'T DO IT!!
My memory is getting worse.
I think the cross you talk about when clicking on photos is actually a plus sign which means you can increase the images' size even more.
John
Too late John.... I get my free bus pass in three years, that is if the present government doesn't cut it! :O) Yes, I meant a plus sign. :D
ReplyDelete