Eastern Net-Winged Midge vs High-altitude Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Net-Winged Midge High-altitude Midge
Scientific Name Blepharicera tenuipes Diamesa latitarsis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Blephariceridae Chironomidae
Size 6-10 mm 2-4 mm body length
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions North America Alps, Carpathians, Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Eastern Net-Winged Midge

A net-winged midge whose larvae cling to rocks in the fastest torrents using ventral suction discs. Adults have characteristically divided wings.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can maintain their grip on rocks in currents exceeding two meters per second using six suction cups.

High-altitude Midge

A small, dark midge whose larvae inhabit the coldest alpine streams. It has unusually broad tarsi adapted for walking on wet rocks.

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Did You Know?

Its broad feet allow it to grip wet rocks in fast-flowing glacial streams.