Ozark Stiletto Fly vs Hanging Thief Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ozark Stiletto Fly Hanging Thief Robber Fly
Scientific Name Thereva frontalis Diogmites platypterus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Therevidae Asilidae
Size 8-11 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ozark Stiletto Fly

A medium-sized stiletto fly with a grayish body covered in fine pale hairs and clear wings. It is commonly found resting on sunlit surfaces in open woodlands.

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Did You Know?

The larvae have a unique ability to move rapidly through loose sand using undulating body movements.

Hanging Thief Robber Fly

A slender, elongate robber fly that hangs from vegetation by its front legs while feeding. It has long dangling legs and a distinctive hunting posture unlike most other asilids.

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Did You Know?

It earns its name by dangling from a single leg while consuming prey, freeing the other legs for handling food.