Scarlet Robber Fly vs Lesser Cattle Grub

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scarlet Robber Fly Lesser Cattle Grub
Scientific Name Laphria flava Hypoderma lineatum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Asilidae Oestridae
Size 15-25 mm 11-13 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Predators Parasites
Regions Europe, Northern Asia North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Scarlet Robber Fly

A bumblebee-mimicking robber fly covered in dense golden-yellow hair. It preys on insects visiting flowers at woodland edges.

💡

Did You Know?

Its dense yellow pile makes it one of the most convincing bumblebee mimics among robber flies.

Lesser Cattle Grub

A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.

💡

Did You Know?

Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.