August 6, 2025

Northeastern Hammertail (Efferia aestuans), in the Robber Fly, Asilidae family, modeling for me on the hood of my truck. They measure in at between 11/16 and 7/8 of an inch.

These are predatory insects, even going after insects larger than themselves. They will perch on vegetation to fly out and catch their meals in mid-air. They’re not picky and will eat things such as flies, bees, butterflies, moths, and dragonflies.

They’re said to be one of the most common Robber Flies to land on humans, but don’t worry, treat them gently and they won’t harm you!

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