These spiders usually build their webs a few feet off of the ground between plants to catch insects that fly past. Another common name is the Writing Spider probably because someone thought the thickened web strands looked like some kind of writing. The Robber Fly is an expert hunter that can snatch bees and other small insects right out of the air. It can also give you a nasty bite.
Robber flies are voracious predatory insects.
Most species rest on leaves and branches in bright sunlight, waiting for small insects to fly past, which they capture on the wing. Robber flies have been known to bite people as well. Robber flies are often quite large, over an inch in length, with long, insect-snatching legs. Their large eyes help them to look all around for prey. There are many robber fly species in our area.