Bee-like robber fly (Laphria thoracica)

A bee-like robber fly resting on a leaf at Leesylvania State Park, Virginia, in May 2012. The fuzzy yellow thorax and black abdomen are a fair copy of a bumblebee, but the bulging eyes, bristly "beard" and long spiny legs belong to a predator. Robber flies grab other insects in midair and stab them with a sharp mouthpart, and bumblebee-mimicking robber flies like this one have been seen eating bumblebees. The usual explanation is protective: birds that have learned to fear bumblebee stings leave it alone. Some naturalists suspect the costume may also help it get close to its prey, though that idea is less tested. Either way, the hunter wears the hunted's uniform.