Mountain Fungus Gnat vs Mountain Prosimulium

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Fungus Gnat Mountain Prosimulium
Scientific Name Boletina alpina Prosimulium mixtum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Mycetophilidae Simuliidae
Size 4-6 mm body length 2-4 mm
Habitat Forests Mountains
Diet Fungus Feeders Omnivores
Regions Northern Europe, Alps North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mountain Fungus Gnat

A delicate, long-legged gnat found in damp montane forests. Larvae develop in fungi and decaying wood at high elevations.

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Did You Know?

Some fungus gnats produce bioluminescent larvae, though this species does not.

Mountain Prosimulium

An early-season black fly of cold mountain streams in North America. Larvae develop in small headwater streams during late winter and early spring.

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Did You Know?

Adults emerge so early in spring that they are often the first biting flies encountered by hikers each year.