Owl Midge vs Japanese Mantidfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Owl Midge Japanese Mantidfly
Scientific Name Clogmia albipunctata Mantispa japonica
Order Diptera Neuroptera
Family Psychodidae Mantispidae
Size 2-5 mm 18-25 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Cosmopolitan Japan, Korea, Eastern China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Owl Midge

A small fuzzy moth-like fly found in bathrooms and drains worldwide. Its larvae feed on gelatinous films of bacteria inside drainage pipes.

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Did You Know?

Despite living in unsanitary conditions, it is not known to transmit any diseases to humans.

Japanese Mantidfly

An East Asian mantidfly found in woodlands across Japan and Korea. Recognized by its amber-tinted wings and stout raptorial legs.

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Did You Know?

In Japan it is called 'kamakiri-modoki' meaning 'mantis look-alike' due to its praying mantis resemblance.