6 Sep 2024

Critter of the Week: common robber fly (Neoitamus melanopogon)

From Afternoons, 3:35 pm on 6 September 2024

The common robber fly (Neoitamus melanopogon) lives in tussock grasslands and forest clearings throughout Aotearoa. It's only the size of a paperclip but don't be fooled - the common robber fly is a deadly predator. It pounces on its prey and uses its needle-like proboscis to inject a powerful neurotoxin into its victim, paralysing it before liquifying its insides and drinking it up like soup.

Common Robber Fly

Photo: COTW

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