Giant Robber Fly (Promachus gomerae)

Endemic to La Gomera and a member of a genus (Promachus) that is very interesting from an evolutionary perspective because it has diversified into five species exclusive to the Canaries. This large fly (25-25 mm) has a long robust body, pointed at the tip and covered with very thick white hairs. A carnivore, it is a fierce predator and hunts other flying insects in flight. Powerful legs grip prey, and bulging eyes give this fly a wide field of vision. This species is relatively abundant in the Canaries and common at all altitudes, from open stretches of laurisilva laurel forests to low-lying coastal areas.