Maritime Long-legged Fly vs Cluster Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Maritime Long-legged Fly | Cluster Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphrosylus praedator | Pollenia rudis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Dolichopodidae | Calliphoridae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Parasites |
| Regions | North America, Pacific Coast | Europe, North America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
It can remain submerged by waves for short periods, surviving in an air bubble trapped by its body hairs.
Cluster Fly
A medium-sized, dark gray fly with golden-brown hairs on the thorax. In autumn, it gathers in large clusters inside buildings to hibernate, sometimes in the thousands.
Did You Know?
The larvae of this fly are earthworm parasites, burrowing into the worm through its skin and consuming it alive from the inside over several weeks.