Giant Net-Winged Midge vs Reindeer Warble Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Net-Winged Midge | Reindeer Warble Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bibiocephala grandis | Hypoderma tarandi |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Blephariceridae | Oestridae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 13-17 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada, Alaska |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Net-Winged Midge
The largest net-winged midge in North America, found in powerful western mountain torrents. Larvae have six robust suction discs for gripping wet rock.
Did You Know?
At up to 15 mm, it is a giant among net-winged midges, most of which are under 8 mm.
Reindeer Warble Fly
A stout, furry fly that parasitizes reindeer and caribou. Females dart at reindeer to lay eggs on their legs. Larvae burrow through the skin and migrate through the body, creating warble lumps under the back skin.
Did You Know?
The buzzing of this fly causes reindeer to panic and stampede, and heavy infestations can reduce a reindeer's body weight by up to 25 percent.