Subject: To Squish or Not To Squish, that is the question.
Geographic location of the bug: Florida, USA
Date: 07/25/2018
Time: 10:54 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I have had 3 near run in’s with these seemingly aggressive bugs. I’ve lived in Florida my whole life, and have never seen them before. I am not sure if they bite. They sure seem like they want to though. I can’t walk on my back patio without being dive-bombed. I looked and looked but haven’t fount any clues online. I posted on my neighborhood Facebook page and no one has a clue. Any idea?
How you want your letter signed: Kimberly
Dear Kimberly,
This is a Giant Robber Fly in the genus Promachus, most likely a Red Footed Cannibalfly, and we vote “Not to Squish” because in our mind, Robber Flies are beneficial predators that are not known to attack and bite humans. Red Footed Cannibalflies capture their prey on the wing, and they often prey upon wasps and other stinging insects.
