Giant Wood Hoverfly vs Mountain Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Wood Hoverfly Mountain Midge
Scientific Name Temnostoma vespiforme Deuterophlebia coloradensis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Syrphidae Deuterophlebiidae
Size 14-18 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Mountains
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Wood Hoverfly

A large, wasp-mimicking hoverfly with yellow and black banding and a slender waist. Its larvae develop in decaying wood of fallen trees in old-growth forests.

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Did You Know?

It is considered an indicator species for ancient woodland due to its dependence on large volumes of decaying timber.

Mountain Midge

A tiny midge whose larvae cling to rocks in fast-flowing alpine streams with suction discs.

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Did You Know?

Adults have bizarre fan-shaped wings that are useless for flight.