Ever seen one of these before? This cute and fluffy creature is a Hornet Robber Fly. They are a Biodiversity Action plan species, meaning they are a priority for conservation. This particular specimen was found in our Farm Managers conservatory, but are they usually found living on heath and downland, and are especially associated with dung, where they lay their eggs. Hornet Robber Flies are hunters, feeding on unsuspecting dung beetles, grasshoppers and wasps. As you can see if you study the photo, this insect is made for hunting. They use piles of dung or low vegetation such as stumps, as vantage points to seek out their prey - this is where its very large eyes come in useful. Their long, hairy legs help them to grab and catch whatever insect it is after. And that long, hard, beak like projection coming out of its head - that's for penetrating its prey and sucking them dry, a process which can take 10-30 minutes. Owch!
I can imagine what you are thinking - do they bite people? That looks painful! - Thankfully, they are harmless towards humans and other animals. We would take far to much sucking dry!
Keeley