Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Grimshawi) vs Swede Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Grimshawi) | Swede Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Drosophila grimshawi | Contarinia nasturtii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Drosophilidae | Cecidomyiidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Farmland |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Oceania (Hawaii - Maui, Hawaii Island) | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Grimshawi)
One of the iconic Hawaiian picture-wing Drosophila, distinguished by elaborate dark patterning on its wings. It breeds in decaying bark of native Hawaiian trees. The Hawaiian Drosophila radiation is one of the most famous examples of adaptive radiation in biology.
Did You Know?
The Hawaiian picture-wing flies perform elaborate courtship dances, with males displaying their ornate wing patterns to females in ritualized mating displays.
Swede Midge
A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.
Did You Know?
It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.