Mountain Net-Winged Midge vs Soldier Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Net-Winged Midge Soldier Fly
Scientific Name Blepharicera capitata Odontomyia tigrina
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Blephariceridae Stratiomyidae
Size 7-11 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Mountains Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Pollen Feeders
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mountain Net-Winged Midge

A large net-winged midge of Appalachian mountain streams. Larvae require extremely clean, well-oxygenated water flowing over smooth bedrock.

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Did You Know?

Females of some Blepharicera species are predatory on other small flies, catching them with their raptorial mouthparts.

Soldier Fly

A brightly colored soldier fly with aquatic larvae that filter-feed in ponds.

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Did You Know?

Larvae float at the surface and breathe through a rosette of hydrophobic tail hairs.