Hornet Robber Fly vs Giant Charaxes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hornet Robber Fly | Giant Charaxes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asilus crabroniformis | Charaxes castor |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 18-28 mm | 75-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Sub-Saharan 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.
Giant Charaxes
One of the largest charaxes butterflies with powerful tawny-orange wings with black borders. It has two short tails on each hindwing.
Did You Know?
They are such powerful fliers that they can be heard making a distinct rustling noise as they fly past.