Neotropical Robber Fly vs Bearded Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Robber Fly Bearded Robber Fly
Scientific Name Ommatius orenoquensis Machimus atricapillus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Asilidae Asilidae
Size 10-15 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions South America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Neotropical Robber Fly

A slender tropical robber fly found in South American lowland forests. It hunts from leaf tips in the forest understory.

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Did You Know?

The genus Ommatius is one of the most species-rich robber fly genera in the tropics.

Bearded Robber Fly

A common European robber fly with a prominent mystax (facial beard) of bristles that protect its face during prey capture. It hunts from perches on bare ground and low vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Its dense facial beard of stiff bristles acts as a protective cage, shielding its eyes from the thrashing legs of captured prey.