Rothschild's Achias vs Giant Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rothschild's Achias Giant Crane Fly
Scientific Name Achias rothschildi Tipula maxima
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Platystomatidae Tipulidae
Size 15-18 mm 30-40 mm body length, wingspan up to 65 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Sap Feeders Detritivores
Regions Papua New Guinea Europe
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Rothschild's Achias

A remarkable Papua New Guinean fly where males have enormously elongated eye stalks. Males use their extended eyes to size up rivals. Has the largest head capsule of any known insect.

💡

Did You Know?

Has the largest head capsule relative to body size of any insect, with eye stalks wider than its body.

Giant Crane Fly

The largest European crane fly, with marbled wings spanning up to 65 mm. Larvae develop in wet leaf litter along stream banks and shaded ravines.

💡

Did You Know?

With a wingspan approaching 65 mm, it is often mistaken for a giant mosquito but is entirely harmless.