Guess what the heat is still here. LOL And still I sat outside this morning for a bit. Of course I sat in the shade along with Gracie, Briar (Claire’s furry buddy) and Jim. We were waiting on Claire to join us for a short walk.
As I sat, the Green-eyed Monster lit on my sleeve. (Common Insects of Texas – Abbott). Also known as a Robber Fly (Diogmites)! The Diogmites genus is listed as the Hanging-thieves! BugGuide says “The common name was suggested by Herschel Raney after Dogmites’ habit of hanging by its forelegs while consuming prey.”
This was certainly was an opportunity for some close up shots! Beautiful green eyes!
Look at that skinny neck!
Turning slightly, the hairy legs could be seen! Plus in addition, you can see the bristle between the claws that are characteristic of robber flies.
A back side of the wings to view the veins when it turned again! The wing characteristics are often used by entomologists to identify flies.
The blue arrow points to the haltere. This club shape organ acts like a vibrating gyroscope. These structures evolved from ancestral hindwings.
Thanks to this amazing Green-eyed Monster, I got to see and learn about this wonderful predator!
Keep looking!
The more you know, the more you see and the more you see, the more you know.
7 Comments
The green eyed monster may have a tiny neck but look at those shoulders. He would be a formidable opponent. Good looking monster.
The green eyed monster may have a tiny neck but look at those shoulders. He would be a formidable opponent. Good looking monster.
Sometimes they are the prey too. I have a photo of a jumping spider eating a robber fly.
What a delightful little friend! I think I’ve seen one eat a wasp before? Or something like it.
I have photos of them eating beetles, butterflies, flies, wasps,and bees.
Excellent anatomy lesson!
Thanks!
Terrific photos of the robber fly – a fascinating insect for certain.