Spiral fern Madagascar Biodiversity and Conservation  
 Essay sections:   

Home

Search

About

Contact

Copyright

Help

Traveling Exhibit

Spiny desert

Mating robber flies
Mating robber flies
Click image for enlargement

Powerful predators, these nearly two-inch-long Robber Flies often capture large and dangerous prey. The larger female is eating a paper wasp. The male may be taking a safe opportunity to mate while she is less likely to mistake him for prey.On the other hand, among Dance Flies the female eats food brought by a prospective mate. This "nuptial gift" phenomenon has not been demonstrated between Robber Flies.

Previous  Next
Contents:
1.Near Ranomainty
2.Andohahela Nature Reserve
 ·Hissing cockroach
 ·Large male
katydid

 ·Twig grasshopper
 ·Poppy
 ·Mating robber flies
 
Golden Mantella, Mantella aurantiaca

 © Copyright 1996-2001 David R. Parks and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Link to Exploratorium