Subarctic Flesh Fly vs Flower Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Subarctic Flesh Fly | Flower Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sarcophaga nigriventris | Cerceris rybyensis |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Sarcophagidae | Crabronidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Subarctic Flesh Fly
A medium-sized gray fly with black longitudinal stripes on the thorax and a checkered abdomen. Unlike most flies, females give birth to live larvae rather than laying eggs. Adults are found on carrion and dung.
Did You Know?
By giving birth to live larvae that are ready to feed immediately, this fly gives its offspring a head start in the short Arctic summer.
Flower Wasp
A solitary wasp that hunts small mining bees to provision its nest. Nests in sandy soil, often in dense aggregations. Distinguished from other wasps by its hunting specialization.
Did You Know?
Specializes in hunting mining bees (Andrena), catching them on flowers and carrying them back to its burrow.