CLOSED: Which is this insect resembling dragonfly?

This morning I saw something fly past in a manner I had not seen before. It was quick, quicker than a grasshopper, unlike a dragonfly. I missed it after it sat close enough to have a short glimpse of something with red eyes. I was lucky second time round after about half an hour. It sat on a brick when the morning sun shone on it and I was close within macro range to capture its image. I did not know what exactly it looked like as I was concentrating on capturing the images. On loading it to the PC, I found out it had indeed red eyes, but its body resembled that of a dragonfly. It has a hairy body... and on the face, a little beard! What this could be? A dragonfly youngster???

Dinu

It is a fly - a Robber Fly. There is an entire Family of them called Asilidae. Another great picture!

Cluepa -- I'm stunned! Thanks a lot.. Am going to check Asilidae.

http://www.kingsnake.com/westindian/ommatiusmarginellus2.JPG
Does this match?

Wonderful picture Dinu. I really enjoy seeing the Robber Flys. What an interesting creature. That 'beard' extends up between its eyes for protection. These creatures grab other insects in flight and the 'beard' protects from the struggles of the captured insect. Neat, isn't it?

Great robber fly picture Dinu! I do not think it is the same as the one you linked to. Yours has dark markings on the top of each abdominal segment, which are missing from Ommatius marginellus.
There are a lot of Robber fly species, so it may be quite hard to identify it.
Ken

My searches took me to hundreds of varieties of Robber Fly! And that leaves us hard to place it. But I hope someone will be able to do it. I saw another two this morning, but they escaped like a true robber. LOL.

Thanks for the information on its 'beard'!

Dinu

I searched for two weeks on the one I have.

First, I eliminated all of the ones that did not live in my region. Then, I started hunting images and examining them side by side. Finally, I found one that the markings on the thick part of the back where the wings were attached were a match. It was a long hunt, but satisfying.

I've seen them catch a moth right out of the air...amazing!

Melody,
Did you mean the match was about my picture?

No, mine is not a match....the markings on the ones that lives in this area are somewhat different. We have several species, but none look exactly like your fly.

Thanks for making it clear for me, Melody.

Another robber came this morning.

Great picture! Looks to be the same species as the first one, but I am no nearer to finding the species

I know this thread has been closed for awhile, but I thought Dinu would like to see one of his Robber Fly's American cousins in action.

He captured his prey, and then flew to the privacy and safety of the underbrush...I had to almost lay on the ground to get the shot.

This is a very young Robber. They get much thicker and have more body mass after they catch a few insects and consume them.

Neat work Melody and thanks for posting. Because it had its food 'on hand' you were able to capture this shot?? They fly away, don't they? Which parts of the insects you think they devour?

He didn't stay around long enough for me to observe his meal, but I'm guessing he eats the soft parts, leaving the wings and legs.

Thanks for the info Mel. I did not see him again in my garden, probably he lurches somewhere.