We are very grateful to Dr Sergio Ibañez-Bernal for the identification of the images
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FIGURE 1

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2

FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3

FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4

FIGURE 4
FIGURE 1 - Unidentified sp. - Yacyretá, Departamento Misiones (Teatske Nieuborg 2007).
FIGURE 2 - Unidentified sp. in copulus - Estancia Laguna Blanca, Departamento San Pedro (Paul Smith December 2009).
FIGURE 3 - Unidentified sp. - PROCOSARA, PN San Rafael (Paul Smith November 2007).
FIGURE 4 - Unidentified sp - Comunidad Salazar, km 340 Ruta Trans-Chaco (Paul Smith October 2007).
ASILIDAE - ROBBER FLIES
A distinctive family of large, robust flies with about 7100 species worldwide. Robber flies can be recognised by the bristly mystax giving them a bearded appearance and the three ocelli located between two large compound eyes. These are predatory species using the short, sharp proboscis to puncture prey and inject neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes - the liquefied innards are then sucked up like a straw. The mystax protects the head from the defensive actions of their prey. Many species have a tapering abdomen, though some species are bulkier and mimic bees. Larvae may be laid on plants, in soil or in dung heaps and are typically omnivorous.
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