Kite-tailed Robber Fly vs Dune Spoonwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Kite-tailed Robber Fly Dune Spoonwing
Scientific Name Tolmerus atricapillus Halter halteratus
Order Diptera Neuroptera
Family Asilidae Nemopteridae
Size 10-16 mm 20-28 mm wingspan (forewings)
Habitat Heathland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Central Asia Mediterranean Basin, North Africa
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.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the last robber fly species to remain active into late autumn.

Dune Spoonwing

A small nemopterid with spoon-tipped hindwings found in coastal Mediterranean habitats. Commonly seen fluttering over sandy ground near the sea.

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Did You Know?

The species name 'halteratus' refers to the haltere-like form of its modified hindwings.