Common House Fly vs Eastern Calligrapher
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common House Fly | Eastern Calligrapher |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Musca domestica | Toxomerus geminatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Muscidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common House Fly
One of the most widely distributed insects on Earth. Can taste with their feet, which have chemoreceptors. Capable of rapid reproduction with complete lifecycle in 7-10 days.
Did You Know?
House flies taste with their feet — they have over 100 taste receptors on each foot and can detect sugar just by landing on a surface.
Eastern Calligrapher
A tiny hoverfly with intricate black calligraphic markings on a yellow abdomen. It is one of the most abundant flower flies in eastern North America.
Did You Know?
Despite its small size, it is one of the most effective aphid predators in North American gardens.