Blandford Fly vs Green Chironomid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blandford Fly Green Chironomid
Scientific Name Simulium posticatum Tanytarsus pallidicornis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Simuliidae Chironomidae
Size 2-3 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blandford Fly

A notorious black fly that causes severe allergic reactions with its bite around the Blandford area of Dorset. Females need blood meals for egg development. Larvae develop in clean rivers.

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Did You Know?

Named after Blandford Forum in Dorset where outbreaks of painful bites affect thousands of people each summer.

Green Chironomid

A small greenish midge common in clean flowing water habitats. Larvae build portable silk tubes attached to stone surfaces.

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Did You Know?

Males form dense aerial mating swarms at dusk that resemble rising columns of smoke above waterways.