Owl Midge vs White-banded Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Owl Midge White-banded Hoverfly
Scientific Name Clogmia albipunctata Leucozona lucorum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Psychodidae Syrphidae
Size 2-5 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Cosmopolitan Europe, Asia
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.

White-banded Hoverfly

A dark hoverfly with a broad white band across the abdomen. It is associated with shaded habitats and visits white umbelliferous flowers.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are predators of aphids found on low-growing vegetation in shaded woodland.