Alpine Crane Fly vs Horn-faced Marsh Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Crane Fly Horn-faced Marsh Fly
Scientific Name Tipula alpium Dictya umbrarum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tipulidae Sciomyzidae
Size 15-22 mm body length 4-7 mm
Habitat Grasslands Wetlands
Diet Root Feeders Detritivores
Regions Alps, Central European mountains North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alpine Crane Fly

A large crane fly of mountain pastures and alpine meadows. Its larvae are soil-dwelling and feed on grass roots.

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Did You Know?

Despite their fragile appearance, adults can fly in strong mountain winds.

Horn-faced Marsh Fly

A small yellowish marsh fly with patterned wings and prominent facial ridges. Larvae feed on decomposing aquatic snails in shallow wetland habitats.

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Did You Know?

Sciomyzid flies are the only family of Diptera in which the larvae are obligate associates of mollusks.