Noisy Tachinid vs Arctic Chironomid Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Noisy Tachinid | Arctic Chironomid Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tachina fera | Diamesa mendotae |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 9-14 mm | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, alpine regions worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Noisy Tachinid
A large tawny-orange tachinid fly commonly found basking on vegetation in late summer. It parasitizes noctuid moth caterpillars in European habitats.
Did You Know?
It produces a loud buzzing sound in flight that is distinctly audible from several meters away.
Arctic Chironomid Midge
A slender, non-biting midge with long legs and feathery antennae in males. Larvae are among the first invertebrates to colonize glacial meltwater streams. Adults can be active at temperatures just above freezing.
Did You Know?
Diamesa midges can fly and mate at temperatures as low as minus 6 degrees Celsius, making them among the most cold-tolerant flying insects.