Hornet Robber Fly vs Demoiselle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hornet Robber Fly | Demoiselle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asilus crabroniformis | Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis |
| Order | Diptera | Odonata |
| Family | Asilidae | Calopterygidae |
| Size | 18-28 mm | 45-48 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Europe, Africa |
| 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.
Did You Know?
It specifically hunts dung beetles, and its larvae develop as predators inside cow pats and horse droppings.
Demoiselle
A Mediterranean damselfly with deeply pigmented wings and metallic body coloration.
Did You Know?
Males defend stream territories and perform dramatic wing-clapping courtship flights.