Long-snouted March Fly vs Silver-spotted Ghost Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long-snouted March Fly Silver-spotted Ghost Moth
Scientific Name Bibio lanigerus Sthenopis argenteomaculatus
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Bibionidae Hepialidae
Size 8-11 mm 60-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Rivers & Streams
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Long-snouted March Fly

A robust, hairy black march fly with a woolly thorax and relatively large body for the family. Adults emerge in spring and are frequently seen on hawthorn and blackthorn blossom.

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Did You Know?

Bibionidae larvae are sometimes so abundant in pasture soil that they can damage grass roots, leaving brown patches.

Silver-spotted Ghost Moth

A large ghost moth from North America with silver-spotted wings. Caterpillars bore into the roots of alder trees, taking two years to develop. Adults emerge for brief nocturnal mating flights.

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Did You Know?

Larvae spend up to two years boring through alder tree roots in waterlogged soil before pupating.