Mountain Hover Fly vs Reindeer Nose Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Hover Fly | Reindeer Nose Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arctophila superbiens | Cephenemyia trompe |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 10-14 mm body length | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Northern Europe, Alps, Siberia | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mountain Hover Fly
A furry, bumblebee-mimicking hover fly of alpine meadows. Its dense body hair helps it retain heat in cold mountain environments.
Did You Know?
Its convincing bumblebee mimicry deters predators despite being completely harmless.
Reindeer Nose Bot Fly
A large, hairy, bee-like fly that squirts live larvae into the nostrils of reindeer. The larvae develop in the nasal passages and throat of the host. Adults resemble bumblebees and do not feed.
Did You Know?
This fly is one of the fastest insects in the world for its size, capable of pursuing running reindeer at speeds exceeding 40 kilometers per hour.