Seaweed Fly vs Eastern Calligrapher
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Seaweed Fly | Eastern Calligrapher |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coelopa frigida | Toxomerus geminatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Coelopidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Woodlands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Seaweed Fly
A coastal fly whose larvae develop in rotting seaweed wrack on beaches. It forms massive swarms on strandlines that can annoy beachgoers.
Did You Know?
It is a model organism for studying sexual selection because larger males win more mating contests.
Eastern Calligrapher
A tiny hoverfly with intricate black calligraphic markings on a yellow abdomen. It is one of the most abundant flower flies in eastern North America.
Did You Know?
Despite its small size, it is one of the most effective aphid predators in North American gardens.