Giant Robber Fly vs Northern Emerald Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Robber Fly Northern Emerald Dragonfly
Scientific Name Promachus fitchii Somatochlora arctica
Order Diptera Odonata
Family Asilidae Corduliidae
Size 20-35 mm 48-55 mm body length
Habitat Meadows Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America Northern Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

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Did You Know?

Robber flies inject prey with saliva containing neurotoxins and digestive enzymes, liquefying the insides and then sucking them out.

Northern Emerald Dragonfly

A rare dragonfly of northern bogs and moorland pools. Has brilliant emerald-green eyes and a bronzy-green body. One of the most northerly-ranging dragonfly species.

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Did You Know?

One of the few dragonfly species adapted to breed in acidic bog pools with very low nutrient levels.