Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Red-footed Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Red-footed Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Dioctria rufipes |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.
Red-footed Robber Fly
A slender, metallic-dark robber fly with conspicuous orange-red legs found in European woodlands. It specializes in ambushing small flies and midges from sunlit perches on leaves.
Did You Know?
It is one of the earliest robber flies to appear each year, often active from late spring when most other asilids are still developing.