High-altitude Midge vs Moss Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | High-altitude Midge | Moss Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diamesa latitarsis | Batrachideinae sp. (Coscineuta coxalis) |
| Order | Diptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Chironomidae | Tetrigidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm body length | 10-18 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Alps, Carpathians, Scandinavia | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
High-altitude Midge
A small, dark midge whose larvae inhabit the coldest alpine streams. It has unusually broad tarsi adapted for walking on wet rocks.
Did You Know?
Its broad feet allow it to grip wet rocks in fast-flowing glacial streams.
Moss Grasshopper
A tiny pygmy grasshopper with an elongated pronotum covered in moss-like textures. It is practically invisible on moss-covered rocks and logs.
Did You Know?
Its pronotum extends far beyond its abdomen and is textured to precisely mimic the moss it feeds on.