Ornate Soldier Fly vs South American Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ornate Soldier Fly | South American Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Odontomyia ornata | Microstylum magnum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Stratiomyidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 30-40 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | South America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ornate Soldier Fly
A medium-sized soldier fly with a green and black patterned abdomen and a somewhat flattened body. Adults are sluggish fliers often found basking on waterside vegetation.
Did You Know?
Its aquatic larvae have a unique hydrophobic tail fringe that acts as a breathing snorkel at the water surface.
South American Robber Fly
A large, elongate robber fly from tropical regions with a slender abdomen and long spiny legs. It hunts from exposed perches and can catch large prey relative to its body size.
Did You Know?
Some tropical Asilidae species are among the largest predatory flies in the world, rivaling small dragonflies in wingspan.