Arctic Chironomid Midge vs Elephant Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Chironomid Midge | Elephant Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diamesa mendotae | Toxorhynchites rutilus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chironomidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, alpine regions worldwide | Eastern North America |
| 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.
Elephant Mosquito
A large, iridescent blue-green mosquito whose adults do not bite. Larvae are predators of other mosquito larvae in tree holes.
Did You Know?
It is studied as a biological control agent because its larvae devour disease-carrying mosquito larvae.