Christmas Island Blue Crab Fly vs March Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Christmas Island Blue Crab Fly March Fly
Scientific Name Paramyia nitens Bibio marci
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Phoridae Bibionidae
Size 2-4 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Christmas Island Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Christmas Island Blue Crab Fly

A tiny fly found on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean associated with red crab migrations. It lays eggs on injured or dead crabs.

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Did You Know?

During the annual red crab migration, these flies congregate in vast swarms along forest trails.

March Fly

A common black fly that swarms in large numbers around Saint Marks Day in April.

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Did You Know?

Mating pairs fly joined together with the smaller male dangling beneath the female.