Brilliant Emerald vs Mountain Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brilliant Emerald | Mountain Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Somatochlora metallica | Machimus rusticus |
| Order | Odonata | Diptera |
| Family | Corduliidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 50-55mm | 12-18 mm body length |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Meadows |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, Mediterranean mountains |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Brilliant Emerald
A metallic green dragonfly with brilliant emerald green eyes. Males patrol low over sheltered lakes and woodland pools. Its thorax is covered with fine golden-green hairs.
Did You Know?
Its entire body shimmers with metallic green iridescence, making it one of Europe's most beautiful dragonflies.
Mountain Robber Fly
A powerful aerial predator found in dry mountain meadows and rocky slopes. It catches other insects in flight with its spiny legs.
Did You Know?
It injects paralytic saliva into prey and digests them externally before consuming the liquefied contents.