Aquatic Crane Fly vs Spotted Wing Drosophila
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Aquatic Crane Fly | Spotted Wing Drosophila |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Antocha saxicola | Drosophila suzukii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Limoniidae | Drosophilidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Asia, worldwide (invasive) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Aquatic Crane Fly
A small crane fly whose larvae build silken cases on submerged rocks in fast-flowing streams. Larvae are true aquatic inhabitants rather than semi-terrestrial.
Did You Know?
Larvae are among the few crane flies that are fully aquatic throughout development, never leaving the water.
Spotted Wing Drosophila
An invasive fruit fly from East Asia with a saw-like ovipositor that lets it lay eggs in ripening (not rotten) fruit — devastating soft fruit crops worldwide since its spread in 2008.
Did You Know?
Unlike most fruit flies that only attack rotting fruit, this species cuts into perfectly ripe fruit with its serrated ovipositor — causing billions in crop damage globally.