Kite-tailed Robber Fly vs Fever Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Kite-tailed Robber Fly | Fever Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tolmerus atricapillus | Dilophus febrilis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Bibionidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Fever Fly
A small, shiny black march fly with spiny front tibiae used for digging. It was once believed to cause fevers in humans, hence its common name, though it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Its spiny front legs are used by females to dig into soil for egg-laying, an unusual adaptation among flies.