Subject: Weird insect : cross between cicada and spider
Geographic location of the bug: Sydney
Date: 10/11/2017
Time: 06:15 PM EDT
We found this in our backyard. Could you help me identify this insect? And if it is harmful to my kids?
How you want your letter signed: Dida
Dear Dida,
This is a predatory Robber Fly in the family Asilidae, and members of the family are not aggressive toward humans, however, we would not try to handle one at the risk of being bitten. Your individual looks similar to this individual posted to Australian Geographic.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your quick respond! 🙂 we are new to Australia, and constantly see ‘new’ insect species. As Australia is known for venomous animal kingdom, we try to keep our kids from harm. Thanks again!
Cheers!
Dida