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NO. 028Robber fly illustrationIllustration · not shown at life size

Flies / Insect

Robber fly

Asilidae · family group

AdultFind the right habitat

A bristly face and a short, strong beak belong to this hunter. It catches other insects in the air.

Let’s look closer

Little clues

Three things to notice.

  1. Bristly beard on the face.

  2. Short, stout piercing beak.

  3. Catches insects in flight.

Out in the world

Where to look.

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Sunny paths and meadow perches.

When to look

Summer, on sunny perches.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

One clue is just the start.

Robber flies come in many shapes. The bristly face and short, strong beak help them catch and eat other insects.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

Keep exploring

Meet the neighbors.

For curious grownups, too

Read a little further.

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

Make a creature disc

Artwork & downloads.

Drag a PNG image into xTool Studio, or use its download button. Images use the full-resolution files.

  • Robber fly — Transparent front PNG

    Transparent front PNG

    76.2 mm canvas · white-outlined labels on a clear background

    028-front.png
    1800 × 1800 px

    Download PNG
  • Robber fly — Relief depth PNG — prototype

    Relief depth PNG — prototype

    Matches this front · dark lettering 0.5 mm, outline 0.1 mm at 1 mm maximum

    028-height-disc.png
    1800 × 1800 px

    Download PNG
  • Robber fly — Original artwork

    Original artwork

    Unmodified source PNG

    028-robber-fly.png
    1254 × 1254 px

    Download PNG

  • Editable front SVG

    Common & scientific names · finding clue · editable labels

    028-front.svg

    Download SVG

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Disc backs are blank; use the single carrier QR from the print studio to open the field guide.

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