Two-lined Leatherwing vs Golden-backed Snipe Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Two-lined Leatherwing Golden-backed Snipe Fly
Scientific Name Atalantycha bilineata Chrysopilus thoracicus
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Cantharidae Rhagionidae
Size 8-11 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Two-lined Leatherwing

A slender soldier beetle with pale yellowish-brown elytra bearing two faint darker lines. It is an active predator found on flowers and foliage in North American forests during spring.

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Did You Know?

Despite their soft bodies and lack of hard wing covers, soldier beetles are fast fliers and active predators.

Golden-backed Snipe Fly

A striking fly with golden thoracic hairs and dark wings that rests head-down on foliage. Larvae are predators in soil and leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

It characteristically rests on vegetation with its head pointed downward, ready to pounce on passing prey.