Subarctic Flesh Fly vs Petroleum Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Subarctic Flesh Fly | Petroleum Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sarcophaga nigriventris | Helaeomyia petrolei |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sarcophagidae | Ephydridae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | North America |
| 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.
Petroleum Fly
The only insect whose larvae develop in crude petroleum. Found in natural oil seeps in California, including the La Brea Tar Pits. Larvae eat insects trapped in the oil.
Did You Know?
This is the only animal on Earth that develops in crude oil — a substance toxic to virtually all other life. Its larvae swim through petroleum and breathe through snorkel-like tubes.