Blandford Fly vs Golden-tabbed Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blandford Fly Golden-tabbed Robber Fly
Scientific Name Simulium posticatum Choerades marginatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Simuliidae Asilidae
Size 2-3 mm 15-22mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blandford Fly

A notorious black fly that causes severe allergic reactions with its bite around the Blandford area of Dorset. Females need blood meals for egg development. Larvae develop in clean rivers.

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Did You Know?

Named after Blandford Forum in Dorset where outbreaks of painful bites affect thousands of people each summer.

Golden-tabbed Robber Fly

A large bristly brown robber fly with golden hair tufts that ambushes prey from sunny perches on logs.

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Did You Know?

Sits motionless on sun-warmed logs waiting for insects to fly past, then launches with explosive speed to intercept.