Dasypogon diadema (Fabricas, 1781)
Body Length: 18 to 26mm.
Flight Season: June till August
Habitat: Various open sandy areas, including mountain regions. The female will lay between 2 to 6 eggs, contained in a cocoon, buried into the sand. The Larvae are predators of soil dwelling beetle and bee larvae, the adult Robberfly, prey primarily on bees and wasps.
Widespread over most of southern and into mid Europe, prefers warmer climates. Only common in localised places, where conditions are suitable.
Females are black with a white beard, white spots on the sides of the abdomen and a dull red/orange marking in the middle of the top of the abdomen. Males are all black, including wings, but some have white faces and beards.
Legs on males and females can be black or orangey red.
In the images below….The male Dasypogon diadema was one minute resting on a plant, then as quick as a blink, he captured this honey bee just above my head!