This Fuzzy Flying Critter Found in KY isn’t as Scary as it Looks

Scrolling through one of my favorite Facebook groups the other day, I saw a picture of a critter that looked like it was from another planet. All Bugs Go to Kevin is an awesome resource for anyone who has found a creepy crawler to identify.

The picture was of a six-legged big-eyed bug with the cutest little feet! It had another good-sized insect in its mouth. Maybe a bee or half-eaten cicada even? The caption read,

"This thing was massive! Easily 2 inches long. Wanted to pet, refrained from doing so. What is it? Northern Kentucky is where I'm at."

 

Comments on the post had a wide range of excited folks and others considering a move.

"I’m in North KY too, and now I’m considering if I should move."

"I’m sorry there is nothing about this pic that screams “pet me”

"I love these guys. Great to have around as they hunt pest insects."

"Robber fly. They sound like an airplane when they fly close"

"Oh my goodness! Look at his wittle feeties!"

Do Giant Robber Flies bite?

Which was exactly my first reaction as well. Such cute feet! Now, I don't know if I would want to pet one, but apparently unless provoked or scared, Robber Flies are docile insects. A gnarly bite if they think they're in trouble, but otherwise calm and nice to humans.

These predator insects are also referred to as Assassin Flies because they sit somewhere out in the open that is heavily populated with their favorite food. Pretty much any other insect including scary ones like hornets and yellow jackets. According to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC:

"The robber fly injects its victim with neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes which immobilizes the insect and liquifies its insides allowing the predator to suck the fluids out of the victim with the same proboscis it used to inject the prey."

Yikes! That is pretty gnarly! On brand for an "assassin" though, I suppose. They've also got some pretty sweet facial hair and spikes all over their little legs. With around 1,000 different species of Robber Fly, they usually range in length from 5 mm to 30 mm. So, the fella captured in Ashley's photo really is a giant!

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How do you feel living in the same state as these bugs?