Dark-winged Fungus Gnat vs Red-legged Jewel Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-winged Fungus Gnat Red-legged Jewel Beetle
Scientific Name Sciara hemerobioides Castiarina rufipennis
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Mycetophilidae Buprestidae
Size 4-6 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark-winged Fungus Gnat

A small, dark fungus gnat with smoky wings and long slender antennae. Its larvae are known for forming spectacular marching columns of thousands of individuals.

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Did You Know?

Larvae form army-like processions of thousands marching in columns across forest floors, a phenomenon called 'Heerwurm' in German.

Red-legged Jewel Beetle

A medium-sized jewel beetle with reddish-brown elytra and metallic green thorax. It visits flowers in eucalypt woodlands across southern Australia.

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Did You Know?

The genus Castiarina contains about 500 species, all found only in Australia and New Guinea.