Bearded Robber Fly vs Green Chironomid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bearded Robber Fly | Green Chironomid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Machimus atricapillus | Tanytarsus pallidicornis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bearded Robber Fly
A common European robber fly with a prominent mystax (facial beard) of bristles that protect its face during prey capture. It hunts from perches on bare ground and low vegetation.
Did You Know?
Its dense facial beard of stiff bristles acts as a protective cage, shielding its eyes from the thrashing legs of captured prey.
Green Chironomid
A small greenish midge common in clean flowing water habitats. Larvae build portable silk tubes attached to stone surfaces.
Did You Know?
Males form dense aerial mating swarms at dusk that resemble rising columns of smoke above waterways.