A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Banter Hall The Critter Corner similar to a dragon fly?

Anyone know what this bug is, what he eats, does he bite? I don't recal ever seeing one of these before, but have seen several over the last month. from a distance he looks a bit like a dragon fly....but ugly! the pics are a bit blurry. I kinda had to hang a bit off the porch and take the pic with one hand.
I couldn't get a shot of his face close up, but he has really big eyes.

I've got them in my yard too, looks like a giant fly

you have a pretty yard...it does look dry there though, did you get a good rain?

thanks. were getting a constant slow rain today. you should see the huge dead spot to the left of where the pic stops. that is the last patch of grass I mowed over three weeks ago. It is completly dead.
hubby called that bug a cow fly. sounds like something he made up. maybe I should google it?

Whatever it is...it's creepy.

you got that right, tamara! I looked up 'cow fly'-no such thing that I could find. also found a bug website and I'm pretty sure it's not a dragonfly, damsil, or a moth. I looked at some fly pics too and saw nothing close to this boogger? I'll keep my eye out and maybe I can get a better pic.

I think it's harmless and is rather cute, too!

only thorn!
J.K.

Trust Thorny to say its cute, He sees things that we dont!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found out this is a Robber Fly. not a good bug to have around since they prey on bees, wasps, lady bugs, dragon flys. (beneficial insects). they inject their prey similar to the way spiders do. they can bite humans but only when messed with. oh, and Thorn.......it specifically said they were NOT considered to be cute!

He's ADORABLE!!! Gimme much kiss, Robber Fly!