Mountain Midge vs Long-tailed Dance Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Midge Long-tailed Dance Fly
Scientific Name Deuterophlebia coloradensis Rhamphomyia longicauda
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Deuterophlebiidae Empididae
Size 3-5 mm 5-8mm
Habitat Mountains Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions North America North America
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.

Long-tailed Dance Fly

A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.

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Did You Know?

Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.