Turkey Gnat vs Dark Arches Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turkey Gnat Dark Arches Moth
Scientific Name Simulium meridionale Apamea monoglypha
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Simuliidae Noctuidae
Size 2-4 mm 46-56 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Blood Feeders Root Feeders
Regions North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Turkey Gnat

A black fly notorious for swarming livestock in the southern United States. Larvae attach to rocks in swift streams using silken pads and posterior hooks.

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Did You Know?

Massive swarms historically caused turkey and livestock deaths in the Mississippi Valley through blood loss and allergic reactions.

Dark Arches Moth

A large, dark brown moth with complex darker markings and pale stigmata. It is one of the largest and most frequently trapped noctuids in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Larvae have been recorded feeding on other moth caterpillars when food is scarce.