Shadow Darner vs Mountain Fungus Gnat

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Shadow Darner Mountain Fungus Gnat
Scientific Name Aeshna umbrosa Boletina alpina
Order Odonata Diptera
Family Aeshnidae Mycetophilidae
Size 65-75 mm 4-6 mm body length
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Predators Fungus Feeders
Regions North America Northern Europe, Alps
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Shadow Darner

A large, dark darner that hunts in shaded forest edges during evening hours. It is widespread across North America in wooded habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is a crepuscular hunter, most active during the dim lighting of dawn and dusk.

Mountain Fungus Gnat

A delicate, long-legged gnat found in damp montane forests. Larvae develop in fungi and decaying wood at high elevations.

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Did You Know?

Some fungus gnats produce bioluminescent larvae, though this species does not.