Adaptation

    
    With over a 1,000 species of robber flies in North America alone, most occupy a specific niche. The most important adaptation of Promachus vertebratus is it's ability to kill and capture prey that are more mobile, or possibly even bigger than the fly itself. A good example of prey that can be bigger than the robber fly are grasshoppers; there have been recorded cases where the prey was simply too big and Promachus vertebratus had to let it go (Bromley S. W. 1930).

                   
                This picture, of a male Promachus vertebratus in its natural habitat can be found at
                      BugGuide, along with many other beautiful pictures.


    The majority of this species of robber flies are summertime hunters, with effortless capturing of prey, regardless of how aggressive the robber fly is being. Again, the most important adaptation of Promachus vertebratus is its ability to purse and "out-fly" its prey because of their strong, superior wings. Because they are typically larger than their prey, they have ample strength and force to bring their dinner down. They are dominant predators with keen sense organs to  locate and identify prey. When one of these insects are around, all other flying insects must be cautious, or will become dinner.

    This species has a distinct coloring, to fit into its habitat. The front and face are clothed with yellow hairs, pollen, and bristles. The proboscis is typically shinning black, like the antennae. Finally the thorax is yellowish with several brown stripes divided by narrow grey/reddish lines running down the ventral side. Finally, the abdomen is typically a grey hue, with black stripes (Hines J. W. 1911).


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