Mexican Cactus Fly vs Gray Bird Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mexican Cactus Fly | Gray Bird Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Copestylum mexicanum | Schistocerca nitens |
| Order | Diptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Acrididae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 35-55 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | North America |
| 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.
Gray Bird Grasshopper
A large, strong-flying grasshopper of arid western North America. It is closely related to the desert locust but does not form true swarms.
Did You Know?
It can fly several kilometers in a single flight, making it one of the most mobile grasshoppers in North America.