Midge Gall Fly vs Scarce Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Midge Gall Fly Scarce Swallowtail
Scientific Name Asphondylia sarothamni Iphiclides podalirius
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Papilionidae
Size 2-4 mm Wingspan 64-84mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Midge Gall Fly

A gall midge that induces pod-like galls on broom shrubs. Its larvae develop inside swollen seed pods alongside symbiotic fungi.

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Did You Know?

It farms a symbiotic fungus inside the gall that provides food for its developing larva.

Scarce Swallowtail

A pale yellow swallowtail butterfly with bold black tiger stripes and long tailed hindwings tipped with blue. It soars elegantly on updrafts.

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Did You Know?

Males gather in large numbers at hilltops in a behavior called hilltopping to increase their chances of finding mates.