Moss Grasshopper vs High-altitude Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Moss Grasshopper | High-altitude Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Batrachideinae sp. (Coscineuta coxalis) | Diamesa latitarsis |
| Order | Orthoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tetrigidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 10-18 mm | 2-4 mm body length |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central America, South America | Alps, Carpathians, Scandinavia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Moss Grasshopper
A tiny pygmy grasshopper with an elongated pronotum covered in moss-like textures. It is practically invisible on moss-covered rocks and logs.
Did You Know?
Its pronotum extends far beyond its abdomen and is textured to precisely mimic the moss it feeds on.
High-altitude Midge
A small, dark midge whose larvae inhabit the coldest alpine streams. It has unusually broad tarsi adapted for walking on wet rocks.
Did You Know?
Its broad feet allow it to grip wet rocks in fast-flowing glacial streams.