Subject: Bee mimic?
Location: Powell County, KY
July 9, 2013 7:06 pm
I took this photo today while creek walking on our property in Powell County KY. I thought it was really strange a bumble bee would be attacking another bug! Then I just thought it was the strangest bumble bee ever. Once I cropped the photos and brightened the fill light to allow more detail to be seen, I don’t think this is a bumble bee! It is one mean looking dude, I’m glad these don’t come in football size!
I appreciate your help in identifying this bug!
Signature: Sandra
Dear Sandra,
The predator in your photos is a Bee Like Robber Fly in the genus Laphria, possibly Laphria grossa. See BugGuide for more information. The prey is a Big Legged Plant Bug in the genus Acanthocephala, and again, more information is available on BugGuide.
