Flat-footed Scuttle Fly vs Giant Stag Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flat-footed Scuttle Fly Giant Stag Beetle
Scientific Name Metopina oligoneura Lucanus elaphus
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Phoridae Lucanidae
Size 1-2 mm 30-65 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Eastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Flat-footed Scuttle Fly

A minute brown phorid fly with broad flattened tarsi and reduced wing venation. It is associated with ant nests where it scavenges on refuse and dead ants.

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Did You Know?

It lives inside ant colonies as a tolerated guest, feeding on the waste materials that ants discard in their refuse chambers.

Giant Stag Beetle

The largest stag beetle in North America with impressive antler-like mandibles. Males use their mandibles in combat over females.

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Did You Know?

Their species name 'elaphus' means deer, referring to mandibles that resemble deer antlers.