An Insect with a Superhero Name: Meet the Hercules Robber Fly

Flies often get a bad rap in Australia.  On a warm, sunny day, they seem to be everywhere. Walk around a farm, and you might find yourself hosting a small island of flies hitching a free ride on your back. Annoying?  Absolutely.  But as much as we might swat and swear at them, flies play an incredibly important role in our environment.  They’re the unsung heroes of nutrient recycling, predation, and parasitoid activity.  And believe it or not, they’re the second most significant pollinator species after bees!  Perhaps it’s time we re frame flies as superheroes of the insect world.

Neoaratus hercules - a member of Robber Flies Family Asilidae

The Day Hercules Visited

A few months ago, while installing solar panels near our shed, I heard a deep, droning buzz – a sound that can make even the bravest among us pause.  Moments later, I spotted the source: a massive insect perched on one of the panels.  Naturally, I grabbed my phone, took a photo, and uploaded it to my iNaturalist account.  The verdict?  I had encountered none other than the Hercules Robber Fly. How cool is that?  A fly with a name straight out of a comic book!

The Hercules Robber Fly is aptly named. Hercules, the legendary hero of Greek and Roman mythology, was renowned for his strength and bravery in battling ferocious animals and monsters.  Similarly, this insect is a giant among flies, measuring up to 4 centimeters in length. For comparison, a European honeybee worker is a mere 1.5 centimeters long.  Hercules Robber Flies are not just impressive in size; they’re also fearsome predators, earning their "robber fly" status through their aggressive hunting tactics. These flies ambush their prey mid-flight, targeting other insects – including honeybees. No wonder they seem to enjoy hanging around our farm!

European Honey Worker Bee - only about 1.5 cm in length

A New Perspective

Since learning more about the Hercules Robber Fly, I’ve stopped feeling quite so terrified when I see one. Instead, I marvel at their role in maintaining ecological balance. They may have a fearsome reputation, but they’re also vital players in the ecological balance on our farm.

Become a Citizen Scientist

If this story has sparked your curiosity about the natural world, why not dive deeper? Our Citizen Science Workshop offers an exciting opportunity to explore and record biodiversity in your local area. You’ll learn to use tools like iNaturalist to document species and contribute to conservation efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, this program will inspire you to see the world with fresh eyes and make a meaningful impact on our planet.