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Very unusual Robber Fly. I do have the family right, don't I? The abdomen reminds me of Tabanidae and other parts remind me of Rhagionidae. I couldn't find any Asilidae pictures that looked right, but surely it is Asilidae.

So, ID help would be appreciated!

The fly rested on a towel that was hanging on a chair outside. Our cat Dave was in the chair, and finally Dave reached up and gave the towel a pull, for no apparent reason, and off the fly went. At least I was able to photograph the fly from several angles first.

Open area near woodlands, 10 September 2006, West Virginia USA.

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Second image.

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The lateral view.

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Hi Stephen,

This is Heteropogon macerinus (a male - as it has the 'signal hair patch' on the midtibia). This genus is small in the e. US, much bigger in the w. US & Europe.

Eric.

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Thanks very much, Eric! I went through all 43 pages of Asilid photos on BugGuide this morning. There are four Heteropogon photos there but I suppose I passed them by because three had banded abdomens and the other had a brown color scheme. Once again I am misled by color and markings, I should pay more attention to structure, but that takes a more educated eye! Thanks again for your help.