Promachus bastardii

The robber fly known as *Promachus bastardii* is a species widespread in much of the southeastern United States. The first 6 images on this page were taken near Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in May, 2009, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and 580 flash.





The Promachus bastardii shown here, with a prey item, was along Big Creek near Shepherd, San Jacinto Co., Texas, in June, 2009.
The next 3 images were taken in the Angelina National Forest, Jasper Co., Texas, in June, 2009, with the same photo gear as above. In the image shown here, a male is shown hovering in display flight near a female, then the next 2 shots show the male and female in copula. Note that the female is enjoying a meal during this encounter.


The Promachus bastardii on the right was at Martin Creek Lake, Rusk Co., Texas, in June, 2011.
The Promachus bastardii on the right was at Martin Creek Lake, Rusk Co., Texas, in June, 2011.
The Promachus bastardii on the right has a bee as a prey item. This shot was taken at the Caddo National Grasslands, Fannin Co., Texas, in June, 2011.
The next two shots of a female Promachus bastardii were taken in Dripping Springs, Hays Co., Texas, in July, 2012.

Promachus bastardii male Hornsby Bend, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 5 June 2013
Promachus bastardii male Hornsby Bend, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 5 June 2013
Promachus bastardii male Hornsby Bend, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 5 June 2013
Promachus bastardii male Hornsby Bend, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 1 July 2013
Promachus bastardii female Hornsby Bend, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 6 June 2016