This bug is my friend
Hi Bugman,
We haven’t noticed creatures like these in the Central Valley of California until the last year or so. It’s possible that they’ve been here all along but I’m positive not in my back yard. What is particularly striking about this bug is it’s tendancy to hunt and kill Paper Wasps that lurk in my lawn and land on my pool. I really like this bug. I would like to know more about this one.
Thanks!
Friend Of The Wasp Hunters
Dear Friend,
This is a Robber Fly in the genus Diogmites, known as the Hanging Thieves. They are skilled fliers and hunters as your observations have proven.