Robber Fly
After posting a shot of this situation the other day that focused on the prey, here's the predator. I find robber flies fascinating-- these large Dipterids take on prey that approaches them in size, and then fly around with it as they consume their meal. Gruesome and amazing! The species here was identified using the Seek app... I don't know enough to be able to dispute it, so I'm using the label. If you have other ideas, let me know. Taken at Horn Prairie in Fayette County, Illinois.
Robber Fly
After posting a shot of this situation the other day that focused on the prey, here's the predator. I find robber flies fascinating-- these large Dipterids take on prey that approaches them in size, and then fly around with it as they consume their meal. Gruesome and amazing! The species here was identified using the Seek app... I don't know enough to be able to dispute it, so I'm using the label. If you have other ideas, let me know. Taken at Horn Prairie in Fayette County, Illinois.