Sweat Fly vs Sand Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sweat Fly | Sand Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydrotaea irritans | Philonicus albiceps |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Muscidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sweat Fly
A small dark fly attracted to perspiration on humans and livestock. It forms dense head-circling swarms in summer that can be extremely annoying.
Did You Know?
Swarms of these flies can reduce cattle weight gain by causing constant head-tossing behavior.
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.