Orange Wheat Blossom Midge vs Alpine Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Orange Wheat Blossom Midge | Alpine Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sitodiplosis mosellana | Tipula alpium |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Cecidomyiidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 15-22 mm body length |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | Alps, Central European mountains |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Orange Wheat Blossom Midge
A small orange-colored gall midge that lays eggs in wheat flowers. Its bright orange larvae feed on developing wheat grains, causing significant yield losses in cereal crops.
Did You Know?
Larvae can enter diapause in the soil for over a decade, emerging years later when conditions are favorable.
Alpine Crane Fly
A large crane fly of mountain pastures and alpine meadows. Its larvae are soil-dwelling and feed on grass roots.
Did You Know?
Despite their fragile appearance, adults can fly in strong mountain winds.