Rain Fly vs Arctic Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rain Fly | Arctic Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematopota crassicornis | Syrphus torvus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rain Fly
A medium-sized cleg with mottled grey wings and iridescent green eyes. It is most active in humid overcast weather before thunderstorms.
Did You Know?
Its activity increases dramatically before rainstorms, hence the common name 'rain fly'.
Arctic Hover Fly
A medium-sized hover fly with bold yellow and black banding that mimics a wasp. It is a skilled hoverer that can remain stationary in midair. Larvae are voracious predators of aphids on subarctic plants.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is an important pollinator in subarctic regions where honeybees are absent, visiting many northern wildflowers.