Common Web Spinner vs Flat-footed Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Web Spinner Flat-footed Fly
Scientific Name Embia major Lindneromyia dorsalis
Order Embioptera Diptera
Family Embiidae Platypezidae
Size 10.0-15.0 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Fungus Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Common Web Spinner

A dark brown web spinner that constructs silk galleries on tree bark and under stones. Males are winged while females are always wingless.

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Did You Know?

Web spinners produce silk from glands in their enlarged front feet, the only insects to spin silk with their tarsi.

Flat-footed Fly

A tiny fly that runs in circles on leaf surfaces during its courtship display.

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Did You Know?

Males perform rapid circular dances on sunlit leaves to attract mates.