Hornet Robber Fly vs Alpine Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hornet Robber Fly Alpine Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Asilus crabroniformis Coranus subapterus
Order Diptera Hemiptera
Family Asilidae Reduviidae
Size 18-28 mm 9-12 mm body length
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, North Africa Europe, Alps, Mediterranean mountains
Conservation Near Threatened (declining in northern Europe) Least Concern

Hornet Robber Fly

Europe's largest robber fly, a hornet mimic with a yellow-and-brown body that hunts dung beetles on grazed pastures. Females lay eggs in animal dung where larvae develop as predators.

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Did You Know?

It specifically hunts dung beetles, and its larvae develop as predators inside cow pats and horse droppings.

Alpine Assassin Bug

A predatory bug of dry alpine and montane grasslands. It ambushes prey with its powerful raptorial forelegs.

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Did You Know?

It has short wings and rarely flies, relying on stealth to catch prey on the ground.