Phantom Crane Fly vs Window Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Phantom Crane Fly | Window Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bittacomorpha clavipes | Scenopinus fenestralis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ptychopteridae | Scenopinidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm body | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Indoors |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Phantom Crane Fly
A delicate fly with swollen black and white banded tarsi that acts as a tiny parachute, allowing it to float effortlessly on air currents.
Did You Know?
The inflated tarsal segments are hollow and serve as aerodynamic balloons, allowing the fly to drift on the slightest breeze.
Window Fly
A small shiny black fly often found on windowsills inside buildings. Its larvae are beneficial predators of carpet beetle and clothes moth larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite being found indoors, it is actually beneficial because its larvae eat destructive carpet beetles.