Giant Robber Fly vs Tiger Bee Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Robber Fly Tiger Bee Fly
Scientific Name Promachus fitchii Xenox tigrinus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Asilidae Bombyliidae
Size 20-35 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Meadows Woodlands
Diet Predators Parasitoids
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.

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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.

Tiger Bee Fly

A large, dramatic bee fly with boldly patterned black and white spotted wings. It is commonly seen flying around wooden structures where its host carpenter bees nest.

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Did You Know?

Females hover at carpenter bee nest entrances and flick eggs inside while the bee is away foraging.