Long-tailed Dance Fly vs Whirligig Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-tailed Dance Fly | Whirligig Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhamphomyia longicauda | Gyrinus natator |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Empididae | Gyrinidae |
| Size | 5-8mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Long-tailed Dance Fly
A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.
Whirligig Beetle
A small, oval, shiny black beetle that spins in rapid circles on the water surface. Its eyes are divided in two, allowing it to see above and below water simultaneously.
Did You Know?
Whirligig beetles have uniquely split compound eyes, with one pair looking above the waterline and another pair looking below it at the same time.