Arctic Hover Fly vs Tiger Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Hover Fly | Tiger Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Syrphus torvus | Nephrotoma flavescens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 9-13 mm | 13-18 mm body length |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Tiger Crane Fly
A striking yellow crane fly with bold black stripes on the thorax. Adults are commonly found basking on sunny foliage in summer.
Did You Know?
Its bold yellow and black thoracic stripes make it the most colorful European crane fly.