Daylight Robbery

I spotted this robber fly with its prey on a bramble in the corner of the garden. I think it has caught a St Mark's fly. It has a very sharp proboscis with which it pierces its catch. It injects its victims with saliva containing neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes. It is then able to suck up a liquid meal. In the past I have seen male flies presenting females with with prey as nuptial gifts. The females feed while mating takes place. The robber fly above flew off with his catch. Maybe he had a romantic gesture planned? :)