Scarlet Robber Fly vs Long-tailed Dance Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scarlet Robber Fly Long-tailed Dance Fly
Scientific Name Laphria flava Rhamphomyia longicauda
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Asilidae Empididae
Size 15-25 mm 5-8mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Northern Asia North America
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Long-tailed Dance Fly

A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.

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Did You Know?

Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.