Southern Long-legged Fly vs Arctic Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Southern Long-legged Fly | Arctic Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysotus gramineus | Syrphus torvus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Dolichopodidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Southern Long-legged Fly
A tiny, brilliantly metallic green long-legged fly commonly found on vegetation near water. It runs rapidly across leaf surfaces hunting for small prey.
Did You Know?
Despite their tiny size, dolichopodid flies are among the most species-rich predatory fly families globally.
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.