Big bite bug endangered
Photo: Micheal Curry
Today’s Bug of the Week is not a critter to be trifled with. However, the odds of running into a robber fly are low as they are on the endangered list.
Today’s Bug of the Week is not a critter to be trifled with.
However, the odds of running into a robber fly are low as they are on the endangered list.
Micheal Curry snapped a pic of a robber fly near his Okanagan home recently.
The fly can deliver a painful bite if provoked, so basically, don’t provoke it.
Their bite is compared to a bee sting. They do not seek out humans but they will bite as a defensive measure. And as they are among the apex predators of the insect world, they are quite confident and are not afraid of humans, but will not seek out humans intentionally.
They have a strong, sharp beak that injects paralyzing venom and tissue-dissolving enzymes into their prey. It will also inject that toxic goop into anyone who threatens it.
Robber flies are known as aggressive predators and feast on other insects ranging from mosquitos to beetles and everything in between.
They are also sometimes called an “aerial assassin fly” because of their remarkable ability to capture prey in full flight.
“I have never heard of or seen one before in my life,” Curry said in an email. “A quick Google search told me they are critically endangered.”
The bug Curry came across is exclusive to the Thompson-Okanagan region and is indeed, on the endangered list.
A 2022 report by the federal government said their decline is due to localized habitat loss from agriculture, urban development and invasive species.
The report said the Okanagan Robber Fly can be found mainly in five areas: Kamloops, Vernon, Okanagan Falls, Vaseux Lake and Oliver.
The federal government is working on a recovery plan for the insect, but notes it is a challenging task.
“Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and co-operation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this strategy,” the online report said.
“It will not be achieved by Environment and Climate Change Canada, or any other jurisdiction alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this strategy for the benefit of the Okanagan Efferia and Canadian society as a whole.”
Have you had a close encounter of the insect kind? Email us a picture or video and we may feature it as Castanet’s Bug of the Week.