Rain Fly vs Tanypod Predatory Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rain Fly Tanypod Predatory Midge
Scientific Name Haematopota crassicornis Tanypus punctipennis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tabanidae Chironomidae
Size 9-12 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Central Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rain Fly

A medium-sized cleg with mottled grey wings and iridescent green eyes. It is most active in humid overcast weather before thunderstorms.

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Did You Know?

Its activity increases dramatically before rainstorms, hence the common name 'rain fly'.

Tanypod Predatory Midge

A predatory midge whose larvae hunt other small invertebrates in soft sediments. Adults have distinctively spotted wings.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most chironomids, Tanypodinae larvae are active predators with retractable head capsules for striking at prey.