Narrow-headed Ant vs Kite-tailed Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-headed Ant | Kite-tailed Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Formica exsecta | Tolmerus atricapillus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Narrow-headed Ant
A bicolored red and black wood ant with a distinctly notched head. It builds low thatched mounds in open heathland and is declining across much of its European range.
Did You Know?
In the UK it is one of the rarest ant species and is legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
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.