Hover Fly vs Arctic Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hover Fly | Arctic Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Syrphus ribesii | Tipula arctica |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 10-13 mm | 15-25 mm body length |
| Habitat | Underground | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Arctic Scandinavia, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hover Fly
A bright yellow and black banded hoverfly that is an excellent wasp mimic. It hovers motionless in sunbeams before darting to a new position with extraordinary agility.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are the only insects besides hummingbirds and hawk-moths that can truly hover in one spot, fly backward, and fly sideways with precision.
Arctic Crane Fly
A large, long-legged fly with narrow wings and a slender body. Its legs break off easily when seized by predators. Larvae are leathery-skinned grubs living in wet tundra soil where they feed on roots.
Did You Know?
Despite their mosquito-like appearance, crane flies are completely harmless and cannot bite.