Giant Robber Fly vs Bristly Tachinid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Robber Fly | Bristly Tachinid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Promachus fitchii | Epalpus signifer |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Tachinidae |
| Size | 20-35 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Parasites |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Bristly Tachinid
A bristly gray parasitic fly found across North America. It parasitizes a wide range of caterpillars including armyworms and cutworms.
Did You Know?
Females scatter tiny eggs on foliage, which are then accidentally swallowed by feeding caterpillars.