Hornet Robber Fly vs Striped Deer Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hornet Robber Fly | Striped Deer Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asilus crabroniformis | Chrysops vittatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 18-28 mm | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States |
| 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.
Striped Deer Fly
A small deer fly with distinctive dark bands across its wings and bright green and gold patterned eyes. Females are persistent biters that circle the head and shoulders of hosts.
Did You Know?
Its compound eyes display iridescent green and gold zigzag patterns that fade to dull gray shortly after the fly dies.