Hanging Thief Robber Fly vs Field Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hanging Thief Robber Fly Field Cockroach
Scientific Name Diogmites platypterus Blattella vaga
Order Diptera Blattodea
Family Asilidae Ectobiidae
Size 15-22 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Southwestern United States, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Hanging Thief Robber Fly

A slender, elongate robber fly that hangs from vegetation by its front legs while feeding. It has long dangling legs and a distinctive hunting posture unlike most other asilids.

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Did You Know?

It earns its name by dangling from a single leg while consuming prey, freeing the other legs for handling food.

Field Cockroach

A small cockroach similar to the German cockroach but with a dark face. It lives outdoors in irrigated areas of the southwestern United States.

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Did You Know?

Its dark facial markings are the easiest way to distinguish it from the indoor-dwelling German cockroach.