Spotted Crane Fly vs Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spotted Crane Fly Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly
Scientific Name Nephrotoma appendiculata Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tipulidae Mydidae
Size 15-25 mm body length 2.5-3.5 cm
Habitat Meadows Beaches & Coastal
Diet Scavengers Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Spotted Crane Fly

A brightly marked yellow-and-black crane fly common across European meadows. Its leatherjacket larvae develop in soil, feeding on plant roots and decaying matter.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite their wasp-like yellow-and-black markings, spotted crane flies are completely harmless and cannot sting.

Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

A large flower fly endemic to the Delhi Sands area of San Bernardino County, California. It was the first fly to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

💡

Did You Know?

Listing this fly in 1993 caused controversy when it delayed construction of a hospital in its habitat.