Hill Gardens of Maine -- Robber Fly in action

Answers to your gardening questions

Article Archives

Five-part article series on flower-drying starts here

Eight-part article series on vegetable gardening starts here

Asian Lily Beetles

A new scourge in New England ornamental and veggie gardens.

Japanese Beetles

They can be controlled...but not the way you think.

An effective Deer Fence!

Only three feet tall...and no deer has ever jumped over it!

One of our best friends in the garden!
The Robber Fly!

Photo and text by Fred Davis, Hill Gardens of Maine
(Proceed to Archives) for many gardening articles)

Not too many people who spend time outdoors in mostly rural areas care much for deerflies. Likewise, not many of those same outdoors-people can identify robber flies...or understand how highly beneficial they are.

In the photo below, you'll see a robber fly who has snatched a biting, blood- sucking deerfly out of the air...then landed on a window of our sun porch to enjoy his mid-day snack. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Get to know robber flies...and never swat or otherwise harm or destroy one! They're among your best beneficial insect-friends both in and away from the garden. Just remember that, while they have no stinger and are not the least bit interested in doing humans or animals any harm, if you're quick enough to catch one in an un-gloved hand, it'll reward your curiosity with a sharp and painful nip.

Tell your friends!

Return to our Homepage

Our Local Weather

Find your State and County Cooperative Extension Office

Which Maine Hardiness Zone Do I Live In? (.pdf)