Dark Giant Horse Fly vs Sand Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dark Giant Horse Fly | Sand Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tabanus sudeticus | Philonicus albiceps |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Northern Europe | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dark Giant Horse Fly
The largest horse fly in the British Isles, dark brown with a robust build. Females deliver an extremely painful bite to livestock and humans.
Did You Know?
Its bite is considered the most painful of any European fly species.
Sand Robber Fly
A pale sandy-colored robber fly found on coastal dunes and sandy heaths. It hunts other flies and small insects on open sand.
Did You Know?
Its pale coloration provides perfect camouflage against the sandy substrates where it hunts.