Golden-tabbed Robber Fly vs Spotted Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden-tabbed Robber Fly Spotted Crane Fly
Scientific Name Choerades marginatus Nephrotoma appendiculata
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Asilidae Tipulidae
Size 15-22mm 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Forests Meadows
Diet Predators Scavengers
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Golden-tabbed Robber Fly

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

💡

Did You Know?

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

Spotted Crane Fly

A brightly marked yellow-and-black crane fly common across European meadows. Its leatherjacket larvae develop in soil, feeding on plant roots and decaying matter.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite their wasp-like yellow-and-black markings, spotted crane flies are completely harmless and cannot sting.