Log Miner Midge vs Horn-faced Marsh Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Log Miner Midge Horn-faced Marsh Fly
Scientific Name Stenochironomus hilaris Dictya umbrarum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Chironomidae Sciomyzidae
Size 5-8 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Wetlands
Diet Wood Feeders Detritivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Log Miner Midge

A wood-mining chironomid whose larvae bore into submerged decaying logs in streams. Larvae create visible galleries beneath the bark of waterlogged timber.

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Did You Know?

It is one of very few insects whose larvae can digest submerged waterlogged wood.

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.