Fever Fly vs Mountain Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fever Fly | Mountain Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dilophus febrilis | Deuterophlebia coloradensis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bibionidae | Deuterophlebiidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fever Fly
A small, shiny black march fly with spiny front tibiae used for digging. It was once believed to cause fevers in humans, hence its common name, though it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Its spiny front legs are used by females to dig into soil for egg-laying, an unusual adaptation among flies.
Mountain Midge
A tiny midge whose larvae cling to rocks in fast-flowing alpine streams with suction discs.
Did You Know?
Adults have bizarre fan-shaped wings that are useless for flight.