Tundra Blow Fly vs Arctic Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tundra Blow Fly | Arctic Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Protophormia terraenovae | Quedius boops |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Calliphoridae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 7-11 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, northern Russia, Siberia | Scandinavia, Iceland, northern Russia, Scotland, Arctic Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tundra Blow Fly
A metallic dark blue blow fly common across Arctic and subarctic regions. It is one of the first flies to become active in spring. Adults are attracted to carrion and can detect dead animals from great distances.
Did You Know?
This fly is so cold-tolerant that it is used in forensic entomology to determine time of death in cold climates where other blow flies cannot survive.
Arctic Rove Beetle
A medium-sized rove beetle with a sleek black body and short elytra. It has large eyes for hunting in dim conditions. Found under stones and in moss on Arctic tundra where it preys on other invertebrates.
Did You Know?
This beetle produces defensive chemical secretions from abdominal glands that deter would-be predators.