Hornet robberfly

The hornet robberfly, Asilus crabroniformis, is a species of predatory insect in the family Asilidae.

Hornet robberfly
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Asilidae
Genus: Asilus
Species:
A. crabroniformis
Binomial name
Asilus crabroniformis

Reaching more than 25 mm in body length, it is one of the largest flies in the United Kingdom.[1][2] and feeds on grasshoppers, dung beetles and other flies.[3] Unlike an actual hornet, the robberfly only has one yellow patch on its abdomen and one pair of wings. The larvae are believed to feed on dung beetle larvae and other detritivores.[1]

Asilus crabroniformis can be found in woodland clearings and well-drained areas of heaths and downs covering Southern England and South & West Wales. It is reliant on the availability of rabbit or cattle dung.[4]

It is a member of the robberfly family Asilidae, subfamily Asilinae and is included in the list of endangered species in the British Isles.

References
  1. Express and Echo, More info needed about deadly predator 21 May 2009
  2. "Hornet robberfly videos, photos and facts - Asilus crabroniformis - ARKive". Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-11-27.
  3. The Daily Telegraph, Brownfield building puts rare insects in jeopardy 3 May 2006
  4. p15 Land & Business, November 2010, CLA


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