• Tyuonyi Pueblo and Big Kiva from Frey Trail

    Bandelier

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Access by Shuttle Bus Only

    Starting May 24, 2013 all access to the most visited part of the park, Frijoles Canyon, will be via a mandatory shuttle bus from the nearby community of White Rock from 9 AM - 3 PM daily. Private cars may drive in before 9 AM or after 3 PM. More »

  • Alcove House To Close

    Alcove House, with its 140 ft climb on stairs and ladders, will be closed to all visitor access from June 10 to August 22, 2013 while important stabalization work is done on the Alcove House kiva. More »

Robber Flies

Robber Fly

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

Photo by Sally King

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

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

Photo by Sally King

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
CAUTION.  Don't handle Robber Flies.  They can deliver a very painful sting.
Photo by Sally King

Did You Know?

Macaw

Ancestral Pueblo people traded items such as fine quality obsidian and pottery from this area for items such as macaws, copper bells, and seashells from distant lands.