Florida Bee Killer (Mallophora bomboides) (7343371940)

Description:

Description: I have been trying to get close to one of these monster robber flies for several years with no luck, This photo was taken from 8 feet away and is heavily cropped. When I inched forward, the fly flew. I see these gigantic flies buzzing around like small birds but rarely find one stationary. Their coloration mimics bumblebees and they buzz like motorboats. They eat bees but the ones I have seen were feeding mostly on wasps, which this one appears to be holding. Juno Dunes Natural Area (south). ID via bugguide.net. Date: 25 May 2012, 09:33. Source: Florida Bee Killer (Mallophora bomboides) Uploaded by Jacopo Werther. Author: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!. Camera location26° 52′ 25.16″ N, 80° 03′ 43.69″ W View all coordinates using: OpenStreetMap 26.873655; -80.062136.