Stalk-Eyed Fly vs Long Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Stalk-Eyed Fly | Long Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Teleopsis dalmanni | Sphaerophoria scripta |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Diopsidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm body (eye span up to 25 mm) | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Asia | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| 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.
Long Hoverfly
A small, elongated hoverfly with a slender yellow-and-black striped abdomen. Males have an abdomen longer than their wings.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most common hoverflies found in agricultural landscapes across Europe.