Glacier Black Fly vs Northern Bushtail Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Glacier Black Fly Northern Bushtail Caddisfly
Scientific Name Prosimulium alpestre Sericostoma schneideri
Order Diptera Trichoptera
Family Simuliidae Sericostomatidae
Size 2-4 mm body length 11-15 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Blood Feeders Detritivores
Regions Alps, Northern Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Glacier Black Fly

A small black fly whose larvae develop in fast-flowing alpine streams. Adults are among the earliest insects active after snowmelt.

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Did You Know?

Larvae anchor themselves to rocks in torrential currents using silk pads and tiny hooks.

Northern Bushtail Caddisfly

A cold-water caddisfly of northern European mountain streams. Larvae build sturdy curved cases from fine gravel and process leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Larvae condition leaf material by allowing fungal colonization before consuming it, much like composting.