Robber flies are large, bristly flies that catch their prey (usually other insects) mid-flight.

Alternative Name/s: Assassin flies
Size range: 5 mm – 30 mm

Distribution: Robber flies throughout Australia. Because of their size and active habits, robber flies are one of the more common flies seen in Sydney.

Habitat: Robber flies live in urban areas, forests and woodlands.

Feeding and Diet: Each leg of the robber fly has a pair of strong claws to catch their prey, before injecting a powerful poison. Enzymes help to digest the meal and all that remains is the discarded exoskeleton (external skeleton).

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