Bluebottle Fly vs South African Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bluebottle Fly South African Robber Fly
Scientific Name Calliphora vicina Alcimus tristrigatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Calliphoridae Asilidae
Size 10-12 mm 18-26 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Carrion Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, North America Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bluebottle Fly

A common metallic blue blowfly found in urban areas worldwide. Breeds in dead pigeons, rodents and meat. An important species in forensic entomology for estimating time of death.

💡

Did You Know?

One of the most important forensic indicator species, helping police estimate time of death from larval development stage.

South African Robber Fly

A large, hairy robber fly endemic to southern Africa's fynbos and savanna. It perches conspicuously on shrubs while scanning for prey.

💡

Did You Know?

Southern Africa harbors one of the richest robber fly faunas in the world.