Spotted Wing Drosophila vs Sand Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spotted Wing Drosophila | Sand Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Drosophila suzukii | Philonicus albiceps |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Drosophilidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Asia, worldwide (invasive) | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spotted Wing Drosophila
An invasive fruit fly from East Asia with a saw-like ovipositor that lets it lay eggs in ripening (not rotten) fruit — devastating soft fruit crops worldwide since its spread in 2008.
Did You Know?
Unlike most fruit flies that only attack rotting fruit, this species cuts into perfectly ripe fruit with its serrated ovipositor — causing billions in crop damage globally.
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.
Did You Know?
Its pale coloration provides perfect camouflage against the sandy substrates where it hunts.