Midge vs Kite-tailed Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Midge | Kite-tailed Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chironomus plumosus | Tolmerus atricapillus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chironomidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Heathland |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Midge
A delicate, mosquito-like fly with feathery antennae that forms enormous mating swarms at dusk. Despite their appearance, non-biting midges are completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Midge swarms can be so dense near lakes that they appear on weather radar, and the biomass of emerging adults can exceed one ton per hectare of lake surface per year.
Kite-tailed Robber Fly
A common grey robber fly with a slightly club-shaped abdomen. It is widespread across Europe, frequently hunting from low perches.
Did You Know?
It is one of the last robber fly species to remain active into late autumn.