Subject: What are these things
Location: MD
August 30, 2013 3:10 pm
Okay these 2 are definitely we think matting but what are they. These were seen in MD on a wooden swing.. if that is any help. Thank you,
Signature: Edie
Dear Edie,
These are mating Giant Robber Flies in the genus Promachus, and we believe they might be Red Footed Cannibalflies or Bee Panthers, Promachus rufipes. We are not entomologists and there is not enough detail in your photographs to be certain, but we believe based on the markings, our identification is most likely correct. You can compare your photos to those posted to BugGuide which reports: “Preys on large flying insects. Has been reported to attack Ruby-throated Hummingbirds” with a link to the Hilton Pond Center website.