Fruit Fly vs Horn-faced Marsh Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fruit Fly Horn-faced Marsh Fly
Scientific Name Drosophila melanogaster Dictya umbrarum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Drosophilidae Sciomyzidae
Size 2-4 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Wetlands
Diet Fruit Feeders Detritivores
Regions Worldwide North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fruit Fly

The most studied organism in genetics. Six Nobel Prizes have been awarded for research on this tiny fly. 75% of human disease genes have recognizable matches in its genome.

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Did You Know?

The fruit fly shares 60% of its DNA with humans and 75% of human disease genes have a match in the fruit fly genome — making it invaluable for medical research.

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.