Common Stiletto Fly vs Mountain Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Stiletto Fly | Mountain Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thereva nobilitata | Machimus rusticus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Therevidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 12-18 mm body length |
| Habitat | Heathland | Meadows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Mediterranean mountains |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Stiletto Fly
A slender, densely hairy fly with a pointed abdomen and silvery-white body hairs. Adults bask on sunlit leaves and bare ground, making short rapid flights when approached.
Did You Know?
Stiletto fly larvae are important biological control agents, feeding on root-eating pest larvae in sandy soils.
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.