Giant Western Crane Fly vs Soldier Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Western Crane Fly Soldier Fly
Scientific Name Holorusia hespera Odontomyia tigrina
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tipulidae Stratiomyidae
Size 35-45 mm body length 8-12 mm
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Detritivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Western North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Western Crane Fly

North America's largest crane fly with a wingspan approaching 80 mm. It inhabits mossy stream banks in western mountain forests.

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Did You Know?

It is the largest fly in North America and one of the largest true flies in the world.

Soldier Fly

A brightly colored soldier fly with aquatic larvae that filter-feed in ponds.

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Did You Know?

Larvae float at the surface and breathe through a rosette of hydrophobic tail hairs.