Robber Fly with prey
Female Asilinae of some sort, probably Efferia I think. Prey is a grasshopper. Found at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Cochise County, Arizona, USA.
The perfect couple, all hugs and kisses.
What really impressed me was the strength of this robber fly. When I first found this pair they were on the ground. This 'gal' managed to have the strength and dexterity to lift this heavy hopper off the ground, hover and grab this grass stem. If you look closely she is gripping the stem with her pulvilli and not her actual tarsal claws. Truly impressive.
Single exposure, uncropped, handheld, in situ. Canon MT-24EX flash unit, Ian McConnachie diffuser.
Robber Fly with prey
Female Asilinae of some sort, probably Efferia I think. Prey is a grasshopper. Found at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Cochise County, Arizona, USA.
The perfect couple, all hugs and kisses.
What really impressed me was the strength of this robber fly. When I first found this pair they were on the ground. This 'gal' managed to have the strength and dexterity to lift this heavy hopper off the ground, hover and grab this grass stem. If you look closely she is gripping the stem with her pulvilli and not her actual tarsal claws. Truly impressive.
Single exposure, uncropped, handheld, in situ. Canon MT-24EX flash unit, Ian McConnachie diffuser.