Water Veneer Moth vs Long-tailed Dance Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Water Veneer Moth | Long-tailed Dance Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acentria ephemerella | Rhamphomyia longicauda |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Empididae |
| Size | 10-14 mm wingspan (males) | 5-8mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Water Veneer Moth
A unique aquatic moth whose larvae live entirely underwater in freshwater lakes. Females are often wingless and spend their whole lives below the water surface.
Did You Know?
Wingless females mate underwater and never leave the lake where they were born.
Long-tailed Dance Fly
A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.