Phantom Midge vs Long-Palped Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Phantom Midge | Long-Palped Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chaoborus crystallinus | Dicranota bimaculata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chaoboridae | Pediciidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe |
| 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.
Long-Palped Crane Fly
A short-bodied crane fly whose predatory larvae inhabit gravel beds of clean streams. Larvae are active hunters among cobble interstices.
Did You Know?
Unlike most crane fly larvae, this species is an active predator rather than a detritivore.