This large robber fly is about one inch (25 mm) long. It is a bumble bee mimic and frequently is mistaken for one. It has large black eyes, a black mystax (hair between the eyes), a fuzzy yellow thorax, black hairy legs and clear brown wings. The abdomen is fuzzy, part yellow and part black. There is a black form with an all black abdomen. One of the identifying characters of this species is the yellow hair in front of and below the wing attachment.
This robber fly can be seen sitting on vegetation while looking for its next meal. It is probably uncommon in this area. The individual shown here was photographed in late May in Fontenelle Forest.
This large robber fly is predaceous on any flying insect it can capture including other robber flies.
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