General: Robber Flies (Family Asilidae) are a diverse group of some 7,100 species. Robber flies are recognized by their stout, spiny legs, a dense mustache, and 3 simple eyes in a depression between the two large compound eyes. The antennae are short. Many species have long, tapering abdomens that may end in an ovipositor; other species mimic bumblebees.

Robber flies catch a variety of other flying insects, including flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, bees, ants, dragonflies, damselflies, grasshoppers, and even spiders. The sharp proboscis is used to stab and inject prey with enzymes that paralyze and digest it, and then the robber fly sucks out the liquefied meal.