Mormon Metalmark vs Midge Gall Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mormon Metalmark | Midge Gall Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apodemia mormo | Asphondylia sarothamni |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Cecidomyiidae |
| Size | 22-30 mm wingspan | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America from Canada to Mexico | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern (species); some subspecies criticall | Least Concern |
Mormon Metalmark
A small butterfly with dark brown wings covered in white spots arranged in irregular bands. Several of its subspecies are critically endangered.
Did You Know?
The Lange's metalmark subspecies, restricted to a single sand dune in California, is one of the rarest butterflies in the world.
Midge Gall Fly
A gall midge that induces pod-like galls on broom shrubs. Its larvae develop inside swollen seed pods alongside symbiotic fungi.
Did You Know?
It farms a symbiotic fungus inside the gall that provides food for its developing larva.