Mountain Net-Winged Midge vs Spotted Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Net-Winged Midge | Spotted Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharicera capitata | Nephrotoma appendiculata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Blephariceridae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 7-11 mm | 15-25 mm body length |
| Habitat | Mountains | Meadows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Scavengers |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Females of some Blepharicera species are predatory on other small flies, catching them with their raptorial mouthparts.
Spotted Crane Fly
A brightly marked yellow-and-black crane fly common across European meadows. Its leatherjacket larvae develop in soil, feeding on plant roots and decaying matter.
Did You Know?
Despite their wasp-like yellow-and-black markings, spotted crane flies are completely harmless and cannot sting.