Northern Black Fly vs Subarctic Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Black Fly Subarctic Crane Fly
Scientific Name Simulium venustum Prionocera turcica
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Simuliidae Tipulidae
Size 2-4 mm 12-18 mm body length
Habitat Forests Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Northern Black Fly

A common biting black fly of northern forests and boreal streams. Larvae form dense colonies on submerged rocks in cold flowing water.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect carbon dioxide exhaled by hosts from over 20 meters away.

Subarctic Crane Fly

A medium-sized crane fly with distinctive patterned wings and long, slender legs. Larvae develop in wet peatland soils. Adults are poor fliers and often rest on low vegetation in sheltered spots.

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Did You Know?

The larvae of this crane fly can survive in waterlogged, low-oxygen peat soil by breathing through specialized anal papillae.