This tiny robber fly is approximately 3/8” (10 mm) in length including the wings. The head sits on a narrow neck. The reddish eyes are relatively widely spaced, which identifies it to genus. The black antennae are short and slender. The humped thorax is tan with dark markings. The abdomen is a light tan color. The dark brown wings extend beyond the abdomen. The legs are red and black and hairy.
The frequency of occurrence is not currently known, but the individuals shown here were seen in late August. It can be seen hunting for insects on the tips of weeds and grass blades in forest openings and along forest edges.
The adults feed on gnats and small flying prey. There are 3 species in the U.S. (fusca, calva and abdominalis) and all 3 are eastern.
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