Sand Robber Fly vs Columbia Tiger Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Robber Fly Columbia Tiger Beetle
Scientific Name Philonicus albiceps Cicindela columbica
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Asilidae Cicindelidae
Size 12-18 mm 1-1.5 cm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, North Africa United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Sand Robber Fly

A pale sandy-colored robber fly found on coastal dunes and sandy heaths. It hunts other flies and small insects on open sand.

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Did You Know?

Its pale coloration provides perfect camouflage against the sandy substrates where it hunts.

Columbia Tiger Beetle

A rare tiger beetle known from sandy riverbanks in the Pacific Northwest. It is an agile predator that chases down small insects on sand.

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Did You Know?

Tiger beetles are among the fastest insects relative to body size, running so fast they temporarily go blind.