Frit Fly vs Golden-tabbed Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Frit Fly Golden-tabbed Robber Fly
Scientific Name Oscinella frit Choerades marginatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Chloropidae Asilidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 15-22mm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe, temperate worldwide Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Frit Fly

A tiny fly that is a major pest of oat crops and ryegrass. Larvae bore into plant stems causing 'dead heart'. Named from the Swedish word for grain. Multiple generations per year.

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Did You Know?

Despite being only 1.5mm long, it can destroy entire crops of oats by killing the growing shoot inside each stem.

Golden-tabbed Robber Fly

A large bristly brown robber fly with golden hair tufts that ambushes prey from sunny perches on logs.

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Did You Know?

Sits motionless on sun-warmed logs waiting for insects to fly past, then launches with explosive speed to intercept.