Tundra Robber Fly vs Sheep Ked
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tundra Robber Fly | Sheep Ked |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhadiurgus variabilis | Melophagus ovinus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Hippoboscidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, Scotland, northern Russia | Cosmopolitan - worldwide where sheep are raised |
| 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.
Did You Know?
This robber fly catches prey in midair and injects digestive enzymes to liquefy the insect's insides before drinking them.
Sheep Ked
A completely wingless, tick-like blood-sucking fly that lives permanently in sheep wool. Its flattened body and strong claws allow it to cling firmly to wool fibers.
Did You Know?
Despite being called a ked or tick, it is actually a true fly that has completely lost its wings through evolution.