Bluebottle Fly vs Glacier Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bluebottle Fly Glacier Midge
Scientific Name Calliphora vicina Diamesa steinboecki
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Calliphoridae Chironomidae
Size 10-12 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Carrion Feeders Detritivores
Regions Europe, North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Bluebottle Fly

A common metallic blue blowfly found in urban areas worldwide. Breeds in dead pigeons, rodents and meat. An important species in forensic entomology for estimating time of death.

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Did You Know?

One of the most important forensic indicator species, helping police estimate time of death from larval development stage.

Glacier Midge

A remarkable midge that completes its entire life cycle in glacial streams at temperatures near 0C. Represents one of the coldest habitats inhabited by any insect.

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Did You Know?

This midge lives its entire life in water barely above freezing — its larvae graze algae on glacier surfaces where temperatures hover around 0C year-round.