About Kite-tailed Robber Fly
A common grey robber fly with a slightly club-shaped abdomen. It is widespread across Europe, frequently hunting from low perches.
Did You Know?
It is one of the last robber fly species to remain active into late autumn.
How to Identify Kite-tailed Robber Fly
Kite-tailed Robber Fly (Tolmerus atricapillus) belongs to the order Diptera, family Asilidae. Adults typically measure 10-16 mm.
Kite-tailed Robber Fly Habitat
Kite-tailed Robber Fly is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Europe, Central Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Kite-tailed Robber Fly Diet and Feeding
Kite-tailed Robber Fly is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is Kite-tailed Robber Fly Found?
Kite-tailed Robber Fly can be found in Europe, Central Asia, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Kite-tailed Robber Fly can be found
Is Kite-tailed Robber Fly Dangerous?
Kite-tailed Robber Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Kite-tailed Robber Fly Role in Nature
Kite-tailed Robber Fly serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Kite-tailed Robber Fly
What does Kite-tailed Robber Fly look like?
The Kite-tailed Robber Fly typically measures 10-16 mm.
Where is Kite-tailed Robber Fly found?
The Kite-tailed Robber Fly is found in Europe, Central Asia and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Kite-tailed Robber Fly eat?
The Kite-tailed Robber Fly is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is Kite-tailed Robber Fly dangerous to humans?
The Kite-tailed Robber Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Kite-tailed Robber Fly?
It is one of the last robber fly species to remain active into late autumn.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Kite-tailed Robber Fly (Tolmerus atricapillus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/kite-tailed-robber-fly
MLA:
"Kite-tailed Robber Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/kite-tailed-robber-fly.