Can we see some ID, please?

Ever seen a bumblebee impale another insect with its nose?

Me neither.

That’s why this scene upon a pokeweed leaf seemed so strange.

It turns out the perp in question isn’t a bee at all.

My investigation points to Laphria thoracica, the bee-like robber fly, a bumblebee mimic whose proboscis and saliva liquefy a prey’s innards for an easily drinkable meal.

I suppose curious behavior can have a reasonable explanation.

Though that’s little consolation for the prey.  Anyone happen to recognize it?