Tundra Robber Fly vs Dimidiata Deer Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tundra Robber Fly Dimidiata Deer Fly
Scientific Name Rhadiurgus variabilis Chrysops dimidiata
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Asilidae Tabanidae
Size 10-15 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions Scandinavia, Finland, Scotland, northern Russia West and Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tundra Robber Fly

A medium-sized robber fly with a dark body and distinctive bristly face. It is an aerial predator that ambushes other flying insects from perches on rocks and low vegetation. Adults have powerful grasping legs.

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Did You Know?

This robber fly catches prey in midair and injects digestive enzymes to liquefy the insect's insides before drinking them.

Dimidiata Deer Fly

A medium-sized deer fly with distinctly banded wings, found in West African rainforests. It serves as a secondary vector of Loa loa alongside C. silacea. Larvae develop in muddy swamp soils near forest streams.

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Did You Know?

Wood smoke fires in villages are used traditionally to repel this fly, which is strongly attracted to dark moving objects.