Alpine Marsh Fly vs Common Compost Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alpine Marsh Fly | Common Compost Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elgiva solicita | Syritta pipiens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sciomyzidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm body length | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Scavengers |
| Regions | Europe, Alps | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Alpine Marsh Fly
A snail-killing fly of wet alpine meadows and bogs. Its larvae are specialist predators of aquatic snails.
Did You Know?
Each larva can consume multiple snails during its development.
Common Compost Hoverfly
A tiny, slender hoverfly with distinctively swollen hind femora and a darting flight pattern. It breeds in compost heaps and decaying organic matter.
Did You Know?
Males hover in sunbeams and dart sideways to intercept passing females with lightning-fast aerial maneuvers.