Giant Robber Fly Eats Bee

Subject:  Identify insect
Geographic location of the bug:  Wareham, Massachusetts
Date: 07/12/2022
Time: 03:00 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  This insect flew down and landed at the side of a trail with what appears to be a bumblebee in its jaws! The month is July and it was in the woods of the Great Neck Conservation Area (Cape Cod).
How you want your letter signed:  Paul Smith

Giant Robber Fly Eats Bee

Dear Paul,
This efficient flying predator is a Giant Robber Fly and we believe it is either in the genus Promachus which is represented on BugGuide with 16 species or the genus Proctacanthus which is represented on BugGuide with 15 species. Proctacanthus rufus pictured on BugGuide is one good possibility.  These are among the largest Robber Flies and both genera cited frequently prey on bees and wasps.

 

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