Never seen one before & never seen one since, the photos are not brill quality but I just wanted to show you a record of this very large fly.....

Robber-flies, also known as Assassin Flies, are rather unattractive, hairy flies that hunt other insects, especially flies and mosquitoes. They are excellent flyers. They have a rather short, pricky snout, which they use to attack their prey and suck them dry. They are not easy to identify, for their are many species that do look rather similar.
Latin name: Machimus cingulatus

Size: Wingspan approximately 40mm.

Distribution: Scattered populations throughout the UK.

Months seen: June to September.

Habitat: Grassland, woodland edges and coastal areas.

Food: Flying insects - especially flies and mosquitoes. The larvae feed on dead vegetation.

Special features: Robber flies, sometimes called Assassin flies, are predatory flies which chase other insects in mid-air.

They have stiff hairs on their faces to protect their eyes from struggling prey. Robber flies can also be distinguished from other flies by the deep groove between the eyes. The eyes never touch. Their wings fold flat over the body, and the legs are equipped with two pads at the end.

Tags: Macro Fly Insect Close up Bug Wings Wildlife and nature

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