Mountain Long-legged Fly vs Hornet Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Long-legged Fly | Hornet Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dolichopus alpinus | Asilus crabroniformis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Dolichopodidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm body length | 18-28 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Alps, Central European mountains | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened (declining in northern Europe) |
Mountain Long-legged Fly
A metallic green fly with long legs found in damp alpine meadows. Males perform elaborate courtship displays using their ornamental leg scales.
Did You Know?
Males wave their decorated legs like flags during courtship to impress females.
Hornet Robber Fly
Europe's largest robber fly, a hornet mimic with a yellow-and-brown body that hunts dung beetles on grazed pastures. Females lay eggs in animal dung where larvae develop as predators.
Did You Know?
It specifically hunts dung beetles, and its larvae develop as predators inside cow pats and horse droppings.