Vineyard Mole Cricket vs Alpine Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vineyard Mole Cricket Alpine Crane Fly
Scientific Name Gryllotalpa vineae Tipula alpium
Order Orthoptera Diptera
Family Gryllotalpidae Tipulidae
Size 35-50 mm 15-22 mm body length
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Southern Europe, Mediterranean Alps, Central European mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Vineyard Mole Cricket

A European mole cricket very similar to G. gryllotalpa but distinguished by its song frequency. It was only recognized as a separate species through bioacoustic analysis.

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Did You Know?

It was hidden as a cryptic species within G. gryllotalpa for centuries until scientists discovered its distinctly different calling song.

Alpine Crane Fly

A large crane fly of mountain pastures and alpine meadows. Its larvae are soil-dwelling and feed on grass roots.

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Did You Know?

Despite their fragile appearance, adults can fly in strong mountain winds.