Austrophasma caledonense vs Midge Gall Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Austrophasma caledonense Midge Gall Fly
Scientific Name Austrophasma caledonense Asphondylia sarothamni
Order Mantophasmatodea Diptera
Family Austrophasmatidae Cecidomyiidae
Size 18-25 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Omnivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Africa Europe
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Austrophasma caledonense

A heelwalker from the Caledon district of South Africa. Females are larger than males and deposit eggs in sandy soil where they overwinter.

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Did You Know?

The first living specimens were found after scientists matched an amber fossil to mysterious museum specimens from Namibia.

Midge Gall Fly

A gall midge that induces pod-like galls on broom shrubs. Its larvae develop inside swollen seed pods alongside symbiotic fungi.

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Did You Know?

It farms a symbiotic fungus inside the gall that provides food for its developing larva.