Alpine Soldierfly vs Stalk-Eyed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alpine Soldierfly | Stalk-Eyed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oxycera morrisii | Teleopsis dalmanni |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Stratiomyidae | Diopsidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm body length | 6-10 mm body (eye span up to 25 mm) |
| Habitat | Mountains | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | British Isles, Alps, Northern Europe | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Alpine Soldierfly
A small, brightly patterned soldierfly found near mountain springs and seepages. Its larvae develop in calcareous spring water at high elevations.
Did You Know?
Its larvae encrust themselves with calcium carbonate from the mineral-rich spring water.
Stalk-Eyed Fly
Males have eyes on the tips of long rigid stalks that can span wider than their body length. Females prefer males with wider eye spans, driving extreme sexual selection.
Did You Know?
Males compete by facing each other and comparing eye span — the wider-eyed male wins. Females prefer wide-eyed males because eye span indicates good genes.