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Quiz about Robber Flies
Quiz about Robber Flies

Robber Flies Trivia Quiz


This is a quiz containing basic questions about the family of flies known as robber flies. It deals with North American types only.

A multiple-choice quiz by Maijin. Estimated time: 4 mins.
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Author
Maijin
Time
4 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
240,778
Updated
May 13 22
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
7 / 10
Plays
618
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Question 1 of 10
1. The family name for robber flies is what? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. Robber flies take their prey on the wing. Their method of doing this is best described as what? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. There is a genus of robber flies known as Laphria. What insects does this type commonly mimic? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. Another genus of robberflies involved in mimicry is Leptogaster. What insects do some species of this type mimic? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. The Proctacanthus genus of robber flies are known as being particularly large. Which prey type could an adult member of this genus catch and consume? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Flies are distinguished by having two wings. Their second set of wings has become a couple of knobbed structures past their first set called halteres. Robber flies usually have brightly hued halteres. What is it thought that these knobbed organs aid in doing? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. Robber flies have natural enemies. Choose the answer that best describes the robber fly's foes. Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. Robber flies, having caught their prey, then employ a sharp beak to do the rest. What is this beak used to do? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Little is known of the larval life of robber flies. Where is it thought they spend most of their time? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Which of the following characterises robber flies? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. The family name for robber flies is what?

Answer: Asilidae

Robber flies are order Diptera, family Asilidae in the class Insecta. Pentatomidae are stinkbugs and Culicidae are mosquitoes and such. I made up Fasilidae.
2. Robber flies take their prey on the wing. Their method of doing this is best described as what?

Answer: Intercepting

Another type of insect that catches prey on the wing is dragonflies. While dragonflies typically chase down their prey, robberflies are thought to anticipate their prey's flight path and intercept the prey in mid-flight.
3. There is a genus of robber flies known as Laphria. What insects does this type commonly mimic?

Answer: Bees

Many Laphria have uncanny similarities to different types of bees. They will sit around on flowers, where other bees are gathering nectar, and prey on them from there.
4. Another genus of robberflies involved in mimicry is Leptogaster. What insects do some species of this type mimic?

Answer: Damselflies

Leptogasters of sorts mimic damselflies. A good tell tale for robber fly mimics is the appearance of the tops of their heads as being concave.
5. The Proctacanthus genus of robber flies are known as being particularly large. Which prey type could an adult member of this genus catch and consume?

Answer: All of these

The Proctacanthus rodecki, or giant robber fly, is known to have a length of up to one and an eighth inches and has been witnessed and photographed eating insects of all sorts, including dragonflies much larger than itself. Another large genus is the Promachus.
6. Flies are distinguished by having two wings. Their second set of wings has become a couple of knobbed structures past their first set called halteres. Robber flies usually have brightly hued halteres. What is it thought that these knobbed organs aid in doing?

Answer: Stabilizing the fly in flight

Halteres are thought to be packed with sensory organs that aid flies in flight. Many robber fly's halteres have bright colors such as orange. These colors fade after death.
7. Robber flies have natural enemies. Choose the answer that best describes the robber fly's foes.

Answer: All of these

Birds, spiders and other robber flies are thought to prey on the Asilids.
8. Robber flies, having caught their prey, then employ a sharp beak to do the rest. What is this beak used to do?

Answer: Inject proteins that liquify the prey's innards so they may be sucked through said beak

After intercepting prey in mid-flight, the Asilid quickly injects liquifying agents into the prey, and then sucks the soupy innards into its stomach. Robber flies do not succeed in hunting every time. Often they make many attempts on many targets. Some fly after prey that is too formidable, such as horseflies, and a fierce melee results.
9. Little is known of the larval life of robber flies. Where is it thought they spend most of their time?

Answer: Underground

Robber fly larvae have not been well studied, partially because it is hard to follow the life of things so tiny as they go about their business underground. It is known that they are voracious predators like the adults they will become.
10. Which of the following characterises robber flies?

Answer: All of these

The worst a robber fly could do to a man is administer a pinch with its sharp beak, and then only the largest could. The larvae do not harm crops nor infect plants with disease. Some robberflies feed on grasshoppers and many robber flies of the genus Diogmetes mimic wasps.
Source: Author Maijin

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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