Japanese Robber Fly vs Dark-winged Fungus Gnat

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Robber Fly Dark-winged Fungus Gnat
Scientific Name Cophinopoda chinensis Sciara hemerobioides
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Asilidae Mycetophilidae
Size 20-30 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Predators Fungus Feeders
Regions East Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Robber Fly

A large East Asian robber fly with powerful raptorial legs. It preys on cicadas and large beetles in montane forests.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few flies capable of overpowering and killing adult cicadas.

Dark-winged Fungus Gnat

A small, dark fungus gnat with smoky wings and long slender antennae. Its larvae are known for forming spectacular marching columns of thousands of individuals.

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Did You Know?

Larvae form army-like processions of thousands marching in columns across forest floors, a phenomenon called 'Heerwurm' in German.