Common Moth Fly vs Soldier Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Moth Fly | Soldier Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psychoda alternata | Odontomyia tigrina |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Psychodidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Detritivores | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Cosmopolitan | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Moth Fly
A tiny grayish moth fly with broad, hairy wings giving it a distinctly moth-like appearance. Its wings are held flat over the body at rest, and it runs in short hops when disturbed.
Did You Know?
Moth flies are important components of sewage treatment trickling filter beds where their larvae help break down waste.
Soldier Fly
A brightly colored soldier fly with aquatic larvae that filter-feed in ponds.
Did You Know?
Larvae float at the surface and breathe through a rosette of hydrophobic tail hairs.