Pedician Crane Fly vs Swede Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pedician Crane Fly Swede Midge
Scientific Name Pedicia rivosa Contarinia nasturtii
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Pediciidae Cecidomyiidae
Size 18-25 mm body length 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Herbivores Gall Makers
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pedician Crane Fly

A large, mottled-winged crane fly whose predatory larvae hunt invertebrates in wet mud and stream margins. Adults are often found resting on vegetation near flowing water.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most crane fly larvae that eat decaying matter, its larvae are voracious predators that ambush worms and insect larvae in mud.

Swede Midge

A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.

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Did You Know?

It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.