Arctic Hover Fly vs Anophthalmus Cave Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Hover Fly | Anophthalmus Cave Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Syrphus torvus | Anophthalmus hitleri |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 9-13 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Caves |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Slovenia (a few caves near Celje) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Arctic Hover Fly
A medium-sized hover fly with bold yellow and black banding that mimics a wasp. It is a skilled hoverer that can remain stationary in midair. Larvae are voracious predators of aphids on subarctic plants.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is an important pollinator in subarctic regions where honeybees are absent, visiting many northern wildflowers.
Anophthalmus Cave Beetle
A small, blind, depigmented cave beetle found in only a handful of caves in Slovenia. It has elongated legs and antennae for navigating in total darkness and was described in 1937.
Did You Know?
Its unfortunate scientific name, given in 1937, has made it a target for collectors who prize specimens for the name alone, contributing to its rarity.