Kite-tailed Robber Fly vs Semaphore Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Kite-tailed Robber Fly | Semaphore Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tolmerus atricapillus | Poecilobothrus nobilitatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Dolichopodidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe |
| 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.
Semaphore Fly
A tiny metallic green fly where males have conspicuous white-tipped wings used in semaphore-like courtship displays. It is extremely common around garden ponds and puddles.
Did You Know?
Males stand on mud and wave their white-tipped wings like semaphore flags to attract females watching nearby.