High-altitude Water Boatman vs Flat-footed Scuttle Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute High-altitude Water Boatman Flat-footed Scuttle Fly
Scientific Name Sigara nigrolineata Metopina oligoneura
Order Hemiptera Diptera
Family Corixidae Phoridae
Size 5-7 mm body length 1-2 mm
Habitat Mountains Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

High-altitude Water Boatman

An aquatic bug found in high-altitude ponds and alpine lakes. It swims upside down using its oar-like hind legs.

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Did You Know?

Males produce underwater sounds by rubbing their front legs against their head to attract mates.

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.