Golden-tabbed Robber Fly vs Swallow Louse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden-tabbed Robber Fly Swallow Louse Fly
Scientific Name Choerades marginatus Ornithomya avicularia
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Asilidae Hippoboscidae
Size 15-22mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Predators Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Golden-tabbed Robber Fly

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

💡

Did You Know?

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

Swallow Louse Fly

A flattened, brownish winged louse fly that parasitizes a wide range of bird species. It moves rapidly through feathers using its laterally compressed body and strong tarsal claws.

💡

Did You Know?

It can parasitize over 30 different bird species, making it one of the most host-generalist hippoboscid flies.