Phantom Midge vs Kite-tailed Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Phantom Midge | Kite-tailed Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chaoborus crystallinus | Tolmerus atricapillus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chaoboridae | Asilidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Phantom Midge
A nearly transparent midge whose larvae are planktonic predators in lakes. Larvae migrate vertically in the water column daily to avoid fish predation.
Did You Know?
Its glass-clear larvae are almost invisible in water, earning the common name glassworm.
Kite-tailed Robber Fly
A common grey robber fly with a slightly club-shaped abdomen. It is widespread across Europe, frequently hunting from low perches.
Did You Know?
It is one of the last robber fly species to remain active into late autumn.