This month has seen the return of various robber flies, in force. Large, small; colourful, plain. All on the hunt for insect prey.

This is Neoaratus hercules … a massive insect, fast-flying and strong. They can be as large as 4cm in length, and have a reported preference for hunting the introduced honey bee!

Eristalinus punctulatus. We had never seen this species here before this month, and suddenly they’re everywhere! Recent flood events have apparently created ideal conditions for them – the larvae feed on wet, rotting vegetation.
Once you get past a fascination with the eyes, you notice the liberal dusting of pollen grains.