Narrow-winged Bee Fly vs Spine-legged Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narrow-winged Bee Fly Spine-legged Robber Fly
Scientific Name Systoechus vulgaris Diogmites angustipennis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Bombyliidae Asilidae
Size 7-10 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Asia, North Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Narrow-winged Bee Fly

A small, hairy bee fly with a rounded body and a short proboscis compared to Bombylius species. It hovers at flowers in arid habitats, frequently visiting low-growing composites.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are important natural enemies of grasshoppers, entering and consuming their egg pods in the soil.

Spine-legged Robber Fly

A slender amber-colored robber fly with conspicuously spined legs. It hunts from the ground in open sandy or rocky areas.

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Did You Know?

Its heavily spined legs form a basket-like cage to trap prey in mid-air.