Dingy Footman Moth vs Orthoclad Stream Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dingy Footman Moth Orthoclad Stream Midge
Scientific Name Eilema griseola Orthocladius oblidens
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Erebidae Chironomidae
Size 31-37 mm wingspan 3-5 mm
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dingy Footman Moth

A small pale straw-yellow moth with slightly darker forewing edges. It rests flat-winged unlike many other footman moths.

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Did You Know?

Despite being called 'dingy', fresh specimens are actually a rather attractive pale gold color.

Orthoclad Stream Midge

A small non-biting midge typical of cold running water habitats. Larvae build silk tubes on stone surfaces in stream riffles.

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Did You Know?

Orthocladiinae midges are often the most species-rich insect group in pristine mountain streams.