Mountain Prosimulium vs Giant Water Strider

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Prosimulium Giant Water Strider
Scientific Name Prosimulium mixtum Gigantometra gigas
Order Diptera Hemiptera
Family Simuliidae Gerridae
Size 2-4 mm 18-24 mm body, 250 mm leg span
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Vietnam, Southern China, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

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.

Giant Water Strider

The largest water strider in the world, found in Southeast Asian streams. Its leg span can reach over 25 cm across the water surface.

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Did You Know?

With a leg span exceeding 25 centimeters, it is the undisputed giant of the water strider world.