Arctic Louse Fly vs Fleck-winged Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Louse Fly | Fleck-winged Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithomya fringillina | Dasysyrphus albostriatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Fleck-winged Hoverfly
A woodland hoverfly with white crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is one of the earliest hoverflies to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
It is sometimes called the white-striped hoverfly because of the distinctive pale marks on its dark abdomen.