Hellgrammite vs Tanypod Predatory Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hellgrammite | Tanypod Predatory Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nigronia serricornis | Tanypus punctipennis |
| Order | Megaloptera | Diptera |
| Family | Corydalidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 40-60 mm wingspan | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hellgrammite
A dark-colored dobsonfly whose larvae, known as hellgrammites, are prized as fishing bait. Adults are smaller than Corydalus and have serrated antennae.
Did You Know?
Hellgrammite larvae are so effective as fishing bait that they are commercially collected and sold to anglers.
Tanypod Predatory Midge
A predatory midge whose larvae hunt other small invertebrates in soft sediments. Adults have distinctively spotted wings.
Did You Know?
Unlike most chironomids, Tanypodinae larvae are active predators with retractable head capsules for striking at prey.