South African Cave Cricket vs Mountain Fungus Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South African Cave Cricket | Mountain Fungus Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Speleiacris tabulae | Boletina alpina |
| Order | Orthoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Rhaphidophoridae | Mycetophilidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 4-6 mm body length |
| Habitat | Caves | Forests |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | South Africa | Northern Europe, Alps |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
South African Cave Cricket
A cave cricket endemic to caves on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. It has reduced eyes and pale brown coloration.
Did You Know?
It is one of very few cave crickets known from the African continent.
Mountain Fungus Gnat
A delicate, long-legged gnat found in damp montane forests. Larvae develop in fungi and decaying wood at high elevations.
Did You Know?
Some fungus gnats produce bioluminescent larvae, though this species does not.