Robberflies

Robberflies (family Asilidae) are a group of true flies with 28 species known to occur within the UK. The group gets its name from their ambush-predator lifestyle, capturing their insect prey in flight, using swift, darting attacks and then injecting digestive enzymes through a sharp proboscis to immobilise and consume their prey. They are typically slender or robust, often bristly, with strong legs and a characteristic facial “moustache” (the mystax) that protects them from struggling prey.

This entoLEARN webinar will introduce robberflies as a family and then cover a range of robberfy species that occur within the UK, including the following:

• Robberflies on the beach: The sand dune species Dune Robberfly (Philonicus albiceps), Pied-winged Robberfly (Pamponerus germanicus) and Spring Heath Robberfly (Lasiopogon cinctus).
• Scottish specialities: Northern Robberfly (Rhadiurgus variabilis) and Bumblebee Robberfly (Laphria flava).
• The enigmas: Rare and extinct species Devon Red-legged Robberfly (Neomochtherus pallipes) and Ginger Robberfly (Choerades gilvus).
• Hornet Robberfly (Asilus crabroniformis): The largest fly in Britain and a voracious predator.

Entomologist Martin Harvey will provide identification guidance and insights into the ecology and behaviour of these fascinating insects, as well as information about how you can submit your sightings to the Soldierflies & Allies Recording Scheme.

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about robberflies. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable flies.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.

Fly Specilaist: Martin Harvey

Martin Harvey is an entomologist and biological recorder based at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology’s Biological Records Centre, where he serves as Data Management and Liaison Officer. He plays a central role in the development of the Pantheon analysis tool, manages the iRecord online recording system, and works closely with national recording schemes and societies. Martin is also part of the team for the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. In addition to his professional work, Martin volunteers as organiser of the national Soldierflies and Allies Recording Scheme and serves as County Moth Recorder for Berkshire (vice-county).

entoLEARN

Our entoLEARN programme provides training on UK invertebrates through live webinars and online self-study courses, with subject specialists presenting aspects of the biology, ecology and behaviour of UK species.

This webinar is part of our True Flies series:

1. Bee-flies (25 Mar 2026)
2. Soldierflies (16 Apr 2026)
3. Robberflies (08 Oct 2026)