Face Fly vs Mountain Long-legged Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Face Fly Mountain Long-legged Fly
Scientific Name Musca autumnalis Dolichopus alpinus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Muscidae Dolichopodidae
Size 7-8 mm 4-6 mm body length
Habitat Farmland Meadows
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America Alps, Central European mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Face Fly

A non-biting muscid fly that feeds on secretions around the eyes and nose of cattle. It is a mechanical vector of the cattle pinkeye pathogen Moraxella bovis.

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Did You Know?

It enters homes in large numbers each autumn to overwinter, hence the name autumnalis.

Mountain Long-legged Fly

A metallic green fly with long legs found in damp alpine meadows. Males perform elaborate courtship displays using their ornamental leg scales.

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Did You Know?

Males wave their decorated legs like flags during courtship to impress females.