Today's no walk report: 071020

Just because.

These are robber flies, quite obviously mating. They were going at it on the top of this 6' plant support, about a foot of which is in the ground. I don't believe I've ever seen robber flies here before. Best guess on these two is that they are Mallophora fautrix. They were close to .75" long, each, or about 2.5 cm. This is the only species in this genus in California. I got a little too close with the camera at one point and they flew off while remaining coupled together only to go back on the plant stake just a few inches lower. They remained in that spot for close to a half an hour, until I boinged the metal pole and they flew off, again without breaking their carnal embrace. Why did I do that? Well, I think that for the most part they are considered a beneficial insect but they do kill bees and also paper wasps. I didn't want any of that in my backyard.

This image is rotated. Be sure to click the images for a more majestic view.

That's all. Stay safe.
(psst, happy birthday!)