Common Compost Hoverfly vs Giant Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Compost Hoverfly | Giant Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Syritta pipiens | Promachus fitchii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 20-35 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Meadows |
| Diet | Scavengers | Predators |
| Regions | Worldwide | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Compost Hoverfly
A tiny, slender hoverfly with distinctively swollen hind femora and a darting flight pattern. It breeds in compost heaps and decaying organic matter.
Did You Know?
Males hover in sunbeams and dart sideways to intercept passing females with lightning-fast aerial maneuvers.
Giant Robber Fly
A large, bristly predatory fly with powerful grasping legs and a sharp proboscis. It ambushes prey in mid-air with remarkable speed and precision, including insects larger than itself.
Did You Know?
Robber flies inject prey with saliva containing neurotoxins and digestive enzymes, liquefying the insides and then sucking them out.