Rain Fly vs Maritime Long-legged Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rain Fly Maritime Long-legged Fly
Scientific Name Haematopota crassicornis Aphrosylus praedator
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tabanidae Dolichopodidae
Size 9-12 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Beaches & Coastal
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Central Asia North America, Pacific Coast
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.

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Did You Know?

Its activity increases dramatically before rainstorms, hence the common name 'rain fly'.

Maritime Long-legged Fly

A specialized marine intertidal fly that hunts on wave-splashed rocks and barnacles. It has a metallic greenish body and uniquely adapted legs for gripping wet rocky surfaces.

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Did You Know?

It can remain submerged by waves for short periods, surviving in an air bubble trapped by its body hairs.