A Scary Looking Friend!

  Mr. PJ and I will often seek refuge from the heat in the shade of the old oak tree in the front yard.  I lounge in the wicker chair while the old dog sprawls out at my feet.  We have been known to while away the afternoon just enjoying each other's company and the cooling bay breeze.  Throw in a glass of lemonade or sweet tea and the afternoon is nigh on perfect.  

  This loafing about also gives me plenty of time to observe the critters of the Bayou.  Once we settle in to our comfy spots, most of the critters simply go about their business as if we did not exist. I sit and do a bit of watching while Mr. PJ snoozes.  Squirrels, birds, possums, rabbits all eventually meander near enough to be viewed in full.  Occasionally, a coon, fox or even the bobcat might wander our way.  The show is endless!

  Yesterday, I was more interested in a bug that flew to rest next to us.  At first, I pondered if the old dog might be in range for a nasty bite or sting from such a critter.  Although the fly appeared to be quite scary, a closer inspection made me realize that I needn't have reservations about this guy!  This was a type of robber fly (also called an assassin fly).  It had no intentions of taking a nip out me nor the dog.  In fact, this fly was doing us a huge favor by sitting next to us! 

  Robber flies are beneficial critters to have around the place.  They feast upon other insects even those that prefer to attack us.  The Deep South has been plagued by deer flies and yellow flies this summer.  Thankfully, the robber flies love to dine upon the others and can take them out while on the wing.  Mr. PJ was being pestered by one deer fly that kept biting his ears.  The old dog tried to swish the deer fly away but to no avail.  Then, the robber fly came to his rescue by snatching the deer fly in midair!  

  If those fierce looking robber flies even eat just a handful of the deer flies and yellow flies, they have a place here on the Bayou.  They are welcome to stay and have no reason to fear being swatted by me!