Bladetails is the common name for Machimus, a widespread genus of predatory robber flies in the family Asilidae. Known for their exceptional eyesight and aggressive hunting, they use a darting tactic to catch other insects in mid-air and inject them with paralyzing, digestive saliva.Key Facts About Machimus (Bladetails)Global Distribution: Found nearly worldwide, though they are notably absent from Australia and New Zealand. They are most diverse in the Palearctic ecozone and southern Asia.
Physical Characteristics: Medium to large flies with stout, bristly legs and a distinct, prominent "moustache" of bristles. Their bodies are often grey or brown with subtly patterned (tessellated) abdomens. Males typically feature a distinct tab or elongated, decurved projection (epandrium) on the tip of their abdomen.
Ferocious Predators: Bladetails utilize a sit-and-wait hunting strategy. They dart out from perches to ambush prey—often other flies, wasps, or even dragonflies—which they stab with a strong, piercing proboscis.
Life Cycle: Female Machimus deposit eggs on low-lying vegetation or within soil and crevices. The larvae live in the soil or decaying matter, where they feed on other insect larvae and soft-bodied prey.
Diverse Species: The genus includes over 100 species such as the Kite-tailed Robberfly (M. atricapillus) in Europe, the Black-legged Bladetail (M. maneei) in North America, and the Manx Robber Fly (M. cowini) native to the British Isles.
