Pyrenean Snow Fly vs Phantom Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pyrenean Snow Fly Phantom Midge
Scientific Name Chionea belgica Chaoborus crystallinus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Limoniidae Chaoboridae
Size 3-4 mm body length 8-10 mm
Habitat Mountains Ponds & Lakes
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Western Europe, Pyrenees, Belgium Europe, North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Pyrenean Snow Fly

A rare wingless crane fly found on snow in the mountains of western Europe. It is smaller and darker than related snow fly species.

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Did You Know?

It was first described from specimens collected in Belgium, giving it its name.

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.

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Did You Know?

Its glass-clear larvae are almost invisible in water, earning the common name glassworm.