Giant Net-Winged Midge vs Spotted Wing Drosophila
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Net-Winged Midge | Spotted Wing Drosophila |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bibiocephala grandis | Drosophila suzukii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Blephariceridae | Drosophilidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Asia, worldwide (invasive) |
| 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.
Spotted Wing Drosophila
An invasive fruit fly from East Asia with a saw-like ovipositor that lets it lay eggs in ripening (not rotten) fruit — devastating soft fruit crops worldwide since its spread in 2008.
Did You Know?
Unlike most fruit flies that only attack rotting fruit, this species cuts into perfectly ripe fruit with its serrated ovipositor — causing billions in crop damage globally.