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Robber FliesGoggles and purple legs – SoCal backyard visitor
Saw the guy in the attached photo in my backyard this afternoon (July 23) here in Culver City, California. He liked clinging to long stalks of overgrown grass, and never flew away very far. His legs were a dark purple-ish color, and his eyes look like big goggles. He seems like a bee of some kind, maybe a leaf cutter? Any insight you can offer would be much appreciated. Best,
J
Hi J,
This is a Robber Fly in the genus Mallophora, known as the Bee Killers. According to BugGuide, there is only one species in the genus in California, Mallophora fautrix. Your photo is consistant with the images of Mallophora fautrix posted on BugGuide.
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