Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Chironomus plumosus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.
Midge
A delicate, mosquito-like fly with feathery antennae that forms enormous mating swarms at dusk. Despite their appearance, non-biting midges are completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Midge swarms can be so dense near lakes that they appear on weather radar, and the biomass of emerging adults can exceed one ton per hectare of lake surface per year.