Brimstone vs Subarctic Flesh Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brimstone | Subarctic Flesh Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gonepteryx rhamni | Sarcophaga nigriventris |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Sarcophagidae |
| Size | 52-60 mm wingspan | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North Africa | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Brimstone
Males are vivid sulphur-yellow; females are pale greenish-white. Leaf-shaped wings provide excellent camouflage at rest.
Did You Know?
The word butterfly may derive from the butter-yellow colour of the Brimstone, one of the earliest to fly.
Subarctic Flesh Fly
A medium-sized gray fly with black longitudinal stripes on the thorax and a checkered abdomen. Unlike most flies, females give birth to live larvae rather than laying eggs. Adults are found on carrion and dung.
Did You Know?
By giving birth to live larvae that are ready to feed immediately, this fly gives its offspring a head start in the short Arctic summer.