Arctic Chironomid Midge vs Cheese Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Chironomid Midge | Cheese Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diamesa mendotae | Piophila casei |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chironomidae | Piophilidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Caves |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, alpine regions worldwide | Cosmopolitan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Chironomid Midge
A slender, non-biting midge with long legs and feathery antennae in males. Larvae are among the first invertebrates to colonize glacial meltwater streams. Adults can be active at temperatures just above freezing.
Did You Know?
Diamesa midges can fly and mate at temperatures as low as minus 6 degrees Celsius, making them among the most cold-tolerant flying insects.
Cheese Skipper
A small fly whose larvae infest stored cheese, cured meats, and other protein-rich foods. Larvae can leap up to 15 cm by curling and snapping their bodies.
Did You Know?
Sardinian casu marzu cheese is deliberately infested with its larvae as a delicacy.