Long-tailed Dance Fly vs Turkey Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-tailed Dance Fly | Turkey Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhamphomyia longicauda | Simulium meridionale |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Empididae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 5-8mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Long-tailed Dance Fly
A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.
Turkey Gnat
A black fly notorious for swarming livestock in the southern United States. Larvae attach to rocks in swift streams using silken pads and posterior hooks.
Did You Know?
Massive swarms historically caused turkey and livestock deaths in the Mississippi Valley through blood loss and allergic reactions.