Downlooker Fly vs Horn-faced Marsh Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Downlooker Fly Horn-faced Marsh Fly
Scientific Name Rhagio tringarius Dictya umbrarum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Rhagionidae Sciomyzidae
Size 8-12mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Wetlands Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Detritivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Downlooker Fly

A slender predatory fly with spotted wings that perches head-downward on vegetation waiting for prey.

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Did You Know?

Always rests facing downward on stems and leaves, earning it the name downlooker or snipe fly.

Horn-faced Marsh Fly

A small yellowish marsh fly with patterned wings and prominent facial ridges. Larvae feed on decomposing aquatic snails in shallow wetland habitats.

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Did You Know?

Sciomyzid flies are the only family of Diptera in which the larvae are obligate associates of mollusks.