Insects and Spiders

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New Kind Of Robber Fly

I found this cutie in a dense section of riparian forest by a lake. Turned out to be a new species for me. Robber flies are fierce predators that snatch their prey in mid-air. This one is a bumble bee mimic to keep them safe from their own would be predators. One of the larger robber flies. Nice enough to pose briefly for me.
Bumble Bee Mimic Robber Fly (Laphria flavicollis)

robber fly fly insect bug predator fierce macro close up posing new species for me mimic Batesian mimicry bumble bee mimic white rock lake dallas texas fish hatchery forest riparian forest sunshine leaf looking at me Laphria flavicollis