Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle vs Arctic Flower Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle | Arctic Flower Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paederus amazonicus | Platycheirus melanopsis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Meadows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Amazon Basin, tropical South America | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle
A brightly colored Amazonian rove beetle with orange and metallic blue markings typical of the Paederus genus. It thrives in tropical riverine habitats where it hunts small arthropods in vegetation.
Did You Know?
Amazonian indigenous peoples have long known to avoid crushing this beetle on skin, having independently discovered the dermatitis-causing properties of pederin.
Arctic Flower Fly
A small hover fly with a dark body and distinctive pale facial markings. It is an important pollinator of Arctic wildflowers. Larvae are predatory on aphids in tundra vegetation.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is one of the most important pollinators in the High Arctic where bees are scarce or absent.