Spotted Crane Fly vs Mountain Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spotted Crane Fly | Mountain Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nephrotoma appendiculata | Machimus rusticus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tipulidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm body length | 12-18 mm body length |
| Habitat | Meadows | Meadows |
| Diet | Scavengers | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Europe, Mediterranean mountains |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spotted Crane Fly
A brightly marked yellow-and-black crane fly common across European meadows. Its leatherjacket larvae develop in soil, feeding on plant roots and decaying matter.
Did You Know?
Despite their wasp-like yellow-and-black markings, spotted crane flies are completely harmless and cannot sting.
Mountain Robber Fly
A powerful aerial predator found in dry mountain meadows and rocky slopes. It catches other insects in flight with its spiny legs.
Did You Know?
It injects paralytic saliva into prey and digests them externally before consuming the liquefied contents.