Hornet Robber Fly vs Pied Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hornet Robber Fly | Pied Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asilus crabroniformis | Scaeva pyrastri |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 18-28 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Europe, Asia, North America |
| 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.
Pied Hoverfly
A large, elegant hoverfly with white crescent-shaped markings on a dark abdomen. It is a strong migrant and beneficial aphid predator.
Did You Know?
Its white crescent markings distinguish it from nearly all other European hoverflies at a glance.