Hornet Robberfly ©Cécile Bassaglia
Hornet robberfly
Scientific name
Asilus crabroniformisWith black-and-yellow markings, the Hornet robberfly looks like its namesake, but is harmless to us. This mimicry helps to protect it from predators while it perches in the open, waiting for its own prey.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Body length: 2.5cmConservation status
Priority species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
When to see
June to OctoberAbout
The Hornet robberfly is a predator, sitting and waiting on a suitable perch (such as a stone or pile of animal dung) for smaller insects to fly past, which it catches on the wing. It prefers dung beetles, but will also eat bees and grasshoppers. It breeds in animal dung on heathland and downland, the larvae hatching and feeding on beetle grubs in the soil.How to identify
The Hornet robberfly has a brown thorax and a black-and-yellow abdomen, just like its namesake. There are 28 species of robberfly in the UK, which can be very difficult to tell apart; the Hornet robberfly is one of the largest.Distribution
Southern England and South Wales.Habitats
Did you know?
The main reason for the decline in the Hornet robberfly is the transferral of harmful chemicals from the treatments farmers use on their livestock, to the dung in which the insects live. In turn, this kills, or causes serious deformities in, the robberflies that feed on the dung.How people can help
The Wildlife Trusts work closely with farmers, landowners and planners to ensure that our wildlife is protected and to promote wildlife-friendly practices. By working together, we can create Living Landscapes: networks of habitats stretching across town and country that allow wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
Bertie Gregory/2020VISION
