River Midge vs Ant-decapitating Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | River Midge | Ant-decapitating Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rheotanytarsus exiguus | Pseudacteon tricuspis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chironomidae | Phoridae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 1-2 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
River Midge
A small filter-feeding midge that builds silken nets on submerged stones in flowing water. Larvae are among the most abundant invertebrates in clean streams.
Did You Know?
Larvae build tiny fan-shaped silk nets that function like miniature versions of caddisfly catch-nets.
Ant-decapitating Fly
A minute parasitoid fly that targets fire ants by injecting eggs into their bodies. The developing larva migrates to the ant's head, eventually causing it to fall off.
Did You Know?
The larva releases enzymes that dissolve the ant's head contents, and the head eventually falls off to serve as a pupation chamber.