Midge Gall Fly vs Twin-spot Centurion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Midge Gall Fly Twin-spot Centurion
Scientific Name Asphondylia sarothamni Sargus bipunctatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Stratiomyidae
Size 2-4 mm 8-13 mm
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
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.

Twin-spot Centurion

A metallic bronze-green soldier fly with two characteristic pale spots on the frons. It is one of the most common stratiomyids in Europe, found basking on ivy flowers in autumn.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the last flies to be active in autumn, still visiting ivy flowers well into November.