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Bandelier National MonumentRobber Fly
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Bandelier National Monument
Robber Flies
Robber Fly

Photo by Sally King

Robber flies are predaceous, lying in wait for their victims.

Robber flies are common in the park.  There are a number of species that vary greatly in color and appearance.  All robber flies are predaceous, lying in wait for victims.
 
Robber Fly

Photo by Sally King

Some Robber Flies camouflage themselves by looking very much like a bee.

Robber flies are capable of capturing and consuming insects much larger than themselves.  Even in their larval form they often are predaceous on other insects.
 
Robber Fly
Photo by Sally King
CAUTION. Don't handle Robber Flies. They can deliver a very painful sting.
Valles Caldera  

Did You Know?
The Valles Caldera is the collapsed summit of the Jemez Volcano which erupted over 1 million years ago. Ash from this volcano formed the volcanic tuff from which the Ancestral Pueblo people built their homes.

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Last Updated: December 16, 2007 at 14:09 EST