The Kite Robber Fly (Laphria thoracica) is a large, striking robber fly that mimics a bumblebee, with dense golden-yellow thoracic hair and a black abdomen. It perches on logs and stumps in sunny conifer clearings, launching ambush attacks on visiting beetles, bees, and other large insects. Its bumblebee disguise may help it approach prey more easily.
Best time to see a Kite Robber Fly
The best time to see a Kite Robber Fly is June, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,601 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Kite Robber Fly? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Kite Robber Fly sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Kite Robber Fly? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Kite Robber Fly is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.