Horn-faced Marsh Fly vs Cold-water Glacier Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Horn-faced Marsh Fly Cold-water Glacier Midge
Scientific Name Dictya umbrarum Diamesa cinerella
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Sciomyzidae Chironomidae
Size 4-7 mm 3-4 mm body length
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe, Alps, Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Horn-faced Marsh Fly

A small yellowish marsh fly with patterned wings and prominent facial ridges. Larvae feed on decomposing aquatic snails in shallow wetland habitats.

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Did You Know?

Sciomyzid flies are the only family of Diptera in which the larvae are obligate associates of mollusks.

Cold-water Glacier Midge

A cold-adapted midge found in high-altitude streams fed by snowmelt. Its larvae are among the first colonizers of newly formed glacial streams.

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Did You Know?

Adults can emerge and fly at temperatures just above freezing.