Cold-water Glacier Midge vs Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cold-water Glacier Midge Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly
Scientific Name Diamesa cinerella Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Chironomidae Mydidae
Size 3-4 mm body length 2.5-3.5 cm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Beaches & Coastal
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Alps, Scandinavia United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

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.

Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

A large flower fly endemic to the Delhi Sands area of San Bernardino County, California. It was the first fly to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

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Did You Know?

Listing this fly in 1993 caused controversy when it delayed construction of a hospital in its habitat.