Kite-tailed Robber Fly vs Buffalo Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Kite-tailed Robber Fly | Buffalo Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tolmerus atricapillus | Haematobia irritans exigua |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Muscidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Kite-tailed Robber Fly
A common grey robber fly with a slightly club-shaped abdomen. It is widespread across Europe, frequently hunting from low perches.
Did You Know?
It is one of the last robber fly species to remain active into late autumn.
Buffalo Fly
A small blood-feeding fly closely related to the horn fly, found primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a major pest of cattle and water buffalo, clustering on the animal's back, sides, and belly. Heavy infestations cause skin lesions and reduced milk production.
Did You Know?
Buffalo flies cause annual economic losses exceeding 100 million dollars to the Australian cattle industry.