Arctic Chironomid Midge vs Rain Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Chironomid Midge | Rain Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diamesa mendotae | Haematopota crassicornis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chironomidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, alpine regions worldwide | Europe, Central Asia |
| 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.
Rain Fly
A medium-sized cleg with mottled grey wings and iridescent green eyes. It is most active in humid overcast weather before thunderstorms.
Did You Know?
Its activity increases dramatically before rainstorms, hence the common name 'rain fly'.