black fly / moth / darth vader helmet
July 1, 2010
dear bugman, this bug is over an inch in length, and is entirely matte black, making me think it’s a night variety moth? but what drew my attention was it’s ‘darth vader helmet’ like listening devices (?) positioned like a globe over its head, and how it looked much like a bumble bee in flight. i was very surprised to see it was a moth body when it landed. have you seen this before? is it common here in MN? or is it a brazilian scout for a pending invasion? ha…thank you kindly for your efforts!
Uptown, Minneapolis, MN
According to BugGuide, the Black Horse Fly, Tabanus atratus, is reported from Minnesota in July and August.