Robberflies are one of my top favorite critters and they have always fascinated me. They are wicked killing machines in the unseen world of critters.

Robberfly usually stays perched on the tip of twigs at a good vantage point to observe other flying insects. Once a prey is spotted, it will set its attack course, launch from its vantage point and nab the insect mid air. Then in-flight, it will pierce its beak enclosing a dagger-like shaft and stab its prey in the head or thorax. It will then use its beak to pump saliva containing neurotoxic venom and proteolytic enzymes. The venom paralyzes its prey while the enzyme liquefies the innards. Robberfly will then land on a twig to sip the innards like a smoothie robbing the life of its prey, leaving just an empty shell. Hence the name Robberfly.

One day I was exploring a deserted Chinese cemetery which has turned into a rich secondary forest. I came across this assassin perched on a leaf. When I got close I realized I was lucky to find this particular species of Robberfly as it has golden glowing hair on its body. Usually robberflies will be on a twig but this species prefers leaves as its vantage point. I was happy to shoot this as the leaves were violet in color and it naturally added some color to my frame.

Superpower: Robberfly has both neurotoxic venom to paralyze the prey and proteolytic enzyme to liquefy the innards. It will drink them like a smoothie.

Artist - Raj Bharathi

Edition - 1/1

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