Maritime Long-legged Fly vs Australian Emerald

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Maritime Long-legged Fly Australian Emerald
Scientific Name Aphrosylus praedator Hemicordulia australiae
Order Diptera Odonata
Family Dolichopodidae Corduliidae
Size 3-5 mm Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-7 cm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America, Pacific Coast Australia, New Zealand
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Maritime Long-legged Fly

A specialized marine intertidal fly that hunts on wave-splashed rocks and barnacles. It has a metallic greenish body and uniquely adapted legs for gripping wet rocky surfaces.

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Did You Know?

It can remain submerged by waves for short periods, surviving in an air bubble trapped by its body hairs.

Australian Emerald

A metallic green-eyed dragonfly common near ponds and slow streams across Australia. It hovers sentrylike over water, earning its alternate name of Sentry Dragonfly.

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Did You Know?

It is sometimes called the Sentry Dragonfly because it hovers motionless over water for extended periods.