Semaphore Fly vs Arctic Flower Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Semaphore Fly | Arctic Flower Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilobothrus nobilitatus | Platycheirus melanopsis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Dolichopodidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Meadows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Semaphore Fly
A tiny metallic green fly where males have conspicuous white-tipped wings used in semaphore-like courtship displays. It is extremely common around garden ponds and puddles.
Did You Know?
Males stand on mud and wave their white-tipped wings like semaphore flags to attract females watching nearby.
Arctic Flower Fly
A small hover fly with a dark body and distinctive pale facial markings. It is an important pollinator of Arctic wildflowers. Larvae are predatory on aphids in tundra vegetation.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is one of the most important pollinators in the High Arctic where bees are scarce or absent.