Big-headed Tiger Beetle vs Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Big-headed Tiger Beetle | Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megacephala virginica | Promachus rufipes |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 18-24 mm | 15-30 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Meadows |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | North America, Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Big-headed Tiger Beetle
A nocturnal tiger beetle with a disproportionately large head and long curved mandibles. It is dark brown to black and hunts on sandy riverbanks after dark.
Did You Know?
Unlike most tiger beetles that hunt by day, this species is strictly nocturnal and is attracted to artificial lights near sandy habitats.
Robber Fly
Aggressive aerial predators that catch other insects in flight. Inject prey with neurotoxic saliva that paralyzes and liquefies internal organs for consumption.
Did You Know?
Robber flies are such efficient aerial predators that they have been recorded catching dragonflies, wasps, and even other robber flies in mid-air.