Mexican Cactus Fly vs Arctic Flower Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mexican Cactus Fly | Arctic Flower Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Copestylum mexicanum | Platycheirus melanopsis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Meadows |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mexican Cactus Fly
A large, dark hoverfly whose larvae develop in decaying cactus tissue. Adults are strong fliers visiting flowers in arid landscapes.
Did You Know?
Larvae play an important ecological role in recycling decaying cactus material.
Arctic Flower Fly
A small hover fly with a dark body and distinctive pale facial markings. It is an important pollinator of Arctic wildflowers. Larvae are predatory on aphids in tundra vegetation.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is one of the most important pollinators in the High Arctic where bees are scarce or absent.