Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat vs Arctic Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat Arctic Crane Fly
Scientific Name Keroplatus testaceus Tipula arctica
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Keroplatidae Tipulidae
Size 8-12 mm 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Tundra & Arctic
Diet Fungus Feeders Predators
Regions Europe Arctic Scandinavia, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat

A remarkable fungus gnat whose larvae create bioluminescent webs on bracket fungi. The blue-green glow attracts prey insects. One of the few bioluminescent insects outside fireflies.

💡

Did You Know?

Larvae glow in the dark, creating eerie blue-green patches on bracket fungi in dark forests.

Arctic Crane Fly

A large, long-legged fly with narrow wings and a slender body. Its legs break off easily when seized by predators. Larvae are leathery-skinned grubs living in wet tundra soil where they feed on roots.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite their mosquito-like appearance, crane flies are completely harmless and cannot bite.