Stalk-Eyed Fly vs Alpine Snow Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Stalk-Eyed Fly | Alpine Snow Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Teleopsis dalmanni | Chionea lutescens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Diopsidae | Limoniidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm body (eye span up to 25 mm) | 3-5 mm body length |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Mountains |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | Asia | Alps, Central Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Stalk-Eyed Fly
Males have eyes on the tips of long rigid stalks that can span wider than their body length. Females prefer males with wider eye spans, driving extreme sexual selection.
Did You Know?
Males compete by facing each other and comparing eye span — the wider-eyed male wins. Females prefer wide-eyed males because eye span indicates good genes.
Alpine Snow Fly
A yellowish wingless crane fly found on snow in alpine regions. It breeds in soil beneath the snowpack where larvae feed on decaying matter.
Did You Know?
Adults emerge in midwinter and mate directly on the snow surface.