South African Robber Fly vs Bat Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South African Robber Fly | Bat Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alcimus tristrigatus | Penicillidia conspicua |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Nycteribiidae |
| Size | 18-26 mm | 2-5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Caves |
| Diet | Predators | Parasites |
| Regions | Southern Africa | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
South African Robber Fly
A large, hairy robber fly endemic to southern Africa's fynbos and savanna. It perches conspicuously on shrubs while scanning for prey.
Did You Know?
Southern Africa harbors one of the richest robber fly faunas in the world.
Bat Fly
A bizarre wingless fly that lives exclusively as an ectoparasite on bats. It has lost its wings entirely and scurries through bat fur like a spider.
Did You Know?
These flies have evolved to look and move like spiders, having completely lost their wings and flattened their bodies for life in bat fur.