Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Hornet robberfly

Hornet robberfly

Asilus crabroniformis

A species of Asilus, Also known as Robber fly

Reaching more than 2.5 cm in body length, it is one of the largest flies in the United Kingdom and feeds on grasshoppers, dung beetles and other flies. Unlike an actual hornet, the robberfly only has one yellow patch on its abdomen and one pair of wings.

General Info About Hornet robberfly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Hornet robberfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
woodland; heath and down
Adult Food Sources
Bees, flies, grasshoppers, butterflies, moths
Larva Food Source
Other insect larvae, small invertebrates
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Hornet robberfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Hornet robberfly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Hornet robberfly
It is one of the largest flies in the United Kingdom. It is a member of the robberfly family Asilidae, subfamily Asilinae and is included in the list of endangered species in the British Isles.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Hornet robberfly
United Kingdom
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Hornet robberfly
Egg The egg stage is the initial phase where hornet robberfly lays eggs often in secluded places. The eggs are small, oval, and have a protective casing.
Larva During the larval stage, hornet robberfly exhibits a worm-like appearance, lacking wings and adult structures. This stage is primarily for feeding and growth.
Pupal In the pupal stage, hornet robberfly encases itself in a pupa and undergoes significant transformation. During this time, the body reshapes and differentiates into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult hornet robberfly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Hornet robberfly
2.5 - 3.5 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Hornet robberfly Larvae
Ants, beetles, birds, spiders
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Hornet robberfly
Birds, mantises, spiders
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Hornet robberfly
Hornet robberfly can capture prey mid-flight with precision, using their spiny legs to ensnare and strong mouthparts to deliver a paralyzing sting.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Hornet robberfly
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Flies
Icon allow
Genus
Asilus
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Hornet robberfly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Hornet robberfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Hornet robberfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Deserts and Arid Regions, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Savannas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Hornet robberfly
No specific trap food is typically used to attract hornet robberfly, as they are predatory insects known for hunting other arthropods.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Hornet robberfly Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of hornet robberfly are typically laid in the soil or in decaying organic matter where moisture is ample. Larvae, residing in the same environments as the eggs, will also often inhabit loose soil and prey on other smaller soil-dwelling organisms. As they transform into pupae, these can be found slightly deeper within the soil, sometimes utilizing the abandoned burrows of other insects. Adults prefer open, sunny areas with low vegetation to hunt prey, using their agility in flight, and can also be seen perching on exposed stones or branches to watch for potential meals. If searching for these stages, one would inspect soil and organic debris for eggs and larvae, dig gently for pupae, and scan open fields and low vegetation for the adults.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Hornet robberfly
The best time to find adult hornet robberfly is during sunny days, especially in the late morning and early afternoon when they are most active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Hornet robberfly
Hornet robberfly prefer warm, dry conditions. Look for them when the weather is less windy, which is ideal for their hunting behavior.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Hornet robberfly at Different Life Stages
Larva Larval hornet robberfly are soil-dwelling and can be found by carefully digging into loose soil in habitats where adults are commonly seen hunting.
Pupal Pupal hornet robberfly are also buried in the soil. They can be located by gently sifting through the soil in areas where larvae are known to reside.
Adult Adult hornet robberfly are strong fliers and commonly found in open habitats with plenty of sunshine. They can be seen perched on plants, waiting to ambush prey. Search for them on flowers, leaves, or bare twigs in sunny spots.
Are Hornet robberfly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Hornet robberfly
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Wasps, Flies, Grasshoppers, Beetles
Hornet robberfly, known for its powerful and aggressive predatory behavior, employs sharp mouthparts to pierce and inject venom into its prey. This paralyzes the victim, making it easier to consume. In their role as natural pest controllers, they effectively reduce pest populations, providing a boon to ecosystems.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow