Arctic Louse Fly vs Arctic Ringlet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Louse Fly | Arctic Ringlet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithomya fringillina | Erebia disa |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 34-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Scandinavia, Siberia, Northern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Louse Fly
A flattened, wingless or short-winged parasitic fly that lives among the feathers of Arctic birds. Its laterally flattened body allows it to move easily through plumage. Adults have strong claws for gripping feathers.
Did You Know?
These flies can survive being transported thousands of kilometers on migratory birds from the Arctic to their wintering grounds.
Arctic Ringlet
A dark brown ringlet butterfly of arctic and alpine bogs. It flies low over sedge tussocks in a slow, bobbing flight pattern.
Did You Know?
It has a two-year life cycle in the Arctic, with larvae overwintering twice.