Pea Moth vs Southern Long-legged Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pea Moth Southern Long-legged Fly
Scientific Name Cydia nigricana Chrysotus gramineus
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Tortricidae Dolichopodidae
Size 12-15 mm wingspan 2-3 mm
Habitat Gardens Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pea Moth

A small tortrix moth whose larvae feed inside pea pods. A significant pest of commercial and garden peas. Adults fly in June-July when peas are flowering.

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Did You Know?

Finding a maggot in your fresh garden peas almost certainly means a pea moth larva has been at work.

Southern Long-legged Fly

A tiny, brilliantly metallic green long-legged fly commonly found on vegetation near water. It runs rapidly across leaf surfaces hunting for small prey.

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Did You Know?

Despite their tiny size, dolichopodid flies are among the most species-rich predatory fly families globally.