We have seen several of these black and gray flying insects in our garden and yard in Parker, Colorado 80138 . Can you help us identify it? It is about an inch long and flies in a similar manner to a regular housefly, but it is so much larger and intimidating. This one is dead (of course). Thank you.
This is a robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae). They are voracious predators on other small arthropods, usually sitting on a perch of some kind until some potential prey passes within striking distance. The fly then darts out, grabs its victim, then returns to its perch to enjoy its meal. Specimens as large as this one can deliver a painful bite if handled carelessly.
This is sooo true, suunto. I once got bitten by one of these. OUCH!!! They are just about the only "bug" I run like hell from! I have found them to be quite aggressive in our area.
Thank you, Suunto. I appreciate knowing what type of insect this is. I'll keep a close watch out for them so I don't get bitten.
