Arctic Chironomid Midge vs Narcissus Bulb Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Chironomid Midge | Narcissus Bulb Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diamesa mendotae | Merodon equestris |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chironomidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Underground |
| Diet | Detritivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, alpine regions worldwide | Europe, North America (introduced), Oceania (introduced) |
| 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.
Narcissus Bulb Fly
A bumble bee-mimicking hoverfly that comes in multiple color forms matching different bumblebee species. Its larvae bore into and destroy daffodil and narcissus bulbs.
Did You Know?
It exists in multiple color forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species found in the same habitat.