Oriental Fruit Fly vs Glacier Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oriental Fruit Fly Glacier Midge
Scientific Name Bactrocera dorsalis Diamesa steinboecki
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tephritidae Chironomidae
Size 6-8 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Fruit Feeders Detritivores
Regions Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands Europe
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Oriental Fruit Fly

A highly polyphagous tropical fruit fly attacking over 400 host plant species. It is one of the most economically damaging invasive insects worldwide.

💡

Did You Know?

It attacks more host plant species than any other fruit fly, with over 400 recorded hosts.

Glacier Midge

A remarkable midge that completes its entire life cycle in glacial streams at temperatures near 0C. Represents one of the coldest habitats inhabited by any insect.

💡

Did You Know?

This midge lives its entire life in water barely above freezing — its larvae graze algae on glacier surfaces where temperatures hover around 0C year-round.