Lesser House Fly vs Montane Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser House Fly Montane Crane Fly
Scientific Name Fannia canicularis Tipula montana
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Fanniidae Tipulidae
Size 5-7 mm 12-18 mm body length
Habitat Indoors Forests
Diet Scavengers Herbivores
Regions Worldwide Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser House Fly

A small greyish fly often seen flying in circles beneath ceiling lights indoors. It breeds in decaying organic matter and is a secondary forensic indicator.

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Did You Know?

Males are well known for hovering in a fixed triangular flight pattern beneath indoor light fixtures.

Montane Crane Fly

A common crane fly in mountain forests and adjacent meadows. Larvae develop in damp forest soils rich in decaying leaves.

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Did You Know?

Adults live only a few days, just long enough to mate and lay eggs.