Subject: Bee-like Robber Fly
Geographic location of the bug: Mid-Michigan
Date: 07/04/2019
Time: 09:05 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I loved your recent post of a bee-like Robber Fly preying on a Sawyer Beetle, which I have shared on social media. Here is a pic of a very friendly Robber Fly that’s been hanging around our deck the past week. At first I thought it was a deformed bumblebee until I got the attached photo and noticed the eyes, legs, and especially that wicked looking mouthparts was different than a bee. This insect often perches on us or on our furniture, although I’m a bit concerned of accidentally placing a hand down on top of him.
How you want your letter signed: Mike
Dear Mike,
Thanks for your kind words. We believe your Bee-Like Robber Fly might also be Laphria thoracica because of the abdominal markings and the dark hairs on the face. Your image is stunningly beautiful with exceptional detail, especially the wing veinage.