Subject: Diogmites salutans (I think)
Location: Ocala, FL
August 2, 2013 10:53 am
I got lucky today and this guy landed on the fence right by me to devour his waspish meal. I believe he is a Diogmites salutans. I thought you might enjoy the photo, it was great to get to watch this strange creature. We are in Ocala, Florida and I get a lot of wasps feeding on my Spanish Needles but this is only the second time I’ve seen a Robber Fly.
Signature: Jenifer in Ocala
Dear Jenifer,
Thanks to your photo, it is easy to see how Hanging Thieves in the genus Diogmites get their common name. While we cannot confirm the species, you have correctly identified the distinctive genus for this Robber Fly.