Cold-water Glacier Midge vs Banks' Jumping Bristletail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cold-water Glacier Midge Banks' Jumping Bristletail
Scientific Name Diamesa cinerella Machiloides banksi
Order Diptera Archaeognatha
Family Chironomidae Machilidae
Size 3-4 mm body length 8-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Alps, Scandinavia United States, Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cold-water Glacier Midge

A cold-adapted midge found in high-altitude streams fed by snowmelt. Its larvae are among the first colonizers of newly formed glacial streams.

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Did You Know?

Adults can emerge and fly at temperatures just above freezing.

Banks' Jumping Bristletail

A North American bristletail found in leaf litter and under stones. It has a cylindrical body covered in tiny scales.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few Archaeognatha species found in North America.