Subject: identify flying insect
Geographic location of the bug: cape town, south africa
Date: 01/04/2018
Time: 03:05 AM EDT
Is this a wasp or is it a non-stinging insect?
How you want your letter signed: APPLE COHEN
Dear Apple,
This is not a Wasp and it is a non-stinging insect. This is a predatory Robber Fly in the family Asilidae, and it reminds us of the North American genus known as the Hanging Thieves because after catching winged prey, including stinging wasps and bees, the Hanging Thief feeds by sucking vital fluids from the prey while hanging from a single leg. Flies bite, they do not sting. While we believe there is little chance of a person being bitten by a Robber Fly in most situations, attempting to handle a Robber Fly might result in a bite.