DESCRIPTION: Body length 20mm. A grey Robberfly that is still an attractive and impressive beast. The abdomen has blackish markings on the tergites and the femora, tibiae and tarsi are partially reddish but this colouring can be variable. Males have a conspicuous projection with a concave apex arising from sternite 8 whereas the smaller females sport a pair of long bristles. Females tend to be browner in appearance and have more conspicuous dark rings on the tibiae. BEHAVIOUR: This species feeds on a variety of insect life with flies being the main preference. It is usually seen resting on low herbage waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting victim. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout southern Britain but records becoming more scattered further north. HABITAT: Rough scrubby grassland, woodland, hedgerows and urban areas.  PERIOD: On the wing from May to October.