Robber fly: Dysmachus trigonus

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Dysmachus trigonus is one of 27 species in the British list of the Asilidae family of Robber Flies. This one was spotted almost by accident when it jumped on the moth Opsibotys fuscalis I was about to photograph last weekend at Penhale Sand Dunes.

There were dozens of the brown moths flying around but it was proving impossible to get a good image amongst the grass stems. Then, when I eventually had one posing brilliantly in front of my lens, this robber fly jumped on it before I could press the shutter! Lovely creatures these, they stick their proboscis into the unfortunate victim and suck them dry.

Insight into Dysmachus trigonus: about 15mm long with particulary bristly white tufts around the head and at the rear of the thorax. It flies between May and August throughout most of the UK favouring sandy habitats.

Reference: Collions Complete Guide to British Insects

One Response

  1. Anthony Burnand
    |

    Fantastic photo, I had a similar experience with a Zebra Spider.
    I am sure this is the same fly I saw sitting on my colleagues anorac, I nudged it with my finger expecting the insect to fly off, and it did not move, unfortunatly I panicked and brushed it off. with my hands and never saw it again. I did wonder if the claws could have got stuck in the material.
    Thanks for posting the photo.
    Kind Regards Tony

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