Needlefly vs River Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Needlefly | River Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leuctra inermis | Rheotanytarsus exiguus |
| Order | Plecoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Leuctridae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Needlefly
A slender stonefly that rolls its wings tightly around its body at rest, resembling a needle. Nymphs shred leaf litter in small streams.
Did You Know?
The tightly rolled wings make the adult appear to have no wings at all when viewed from above.
River Midge
A small filter-feeding midge that builds silken nets on submerged stones in flowing water. Larvae are among the most abundant invertebrates in clean streams.
Did You Know?
Larvae build tiny fan-shaped silk nets that function like miniature versions of caddisfly catch-nets.