Mountain Midge vs Kite-tailed Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Midge Kite-tailed Robber Fly
Scientific Name Deuterophlebia coloradensis Tolmerus atricapillus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Deuterophlebiidae Asilidae
Size 3-5 mm 10-16 mm
Habitat Mountains Heathland
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions North America Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mountain Midge

A tiny midge whose larvae cling to rocks in fast-flowing alpine streams with suction discs.

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Did You Know?

Adults have bizarre fan-shaped wings that are useless for flight.

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.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the last robber fly species to remain active into late autumn.