Downlooker Fly vs Smoky Wainscot

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Downlooker Fly Smoky Wainscot
Scientific Name Rhagio tringarius Mythimna impura
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Rhagionidae Noctuidae
Size 8-12mm 28-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Downlooker Fly

A slender predatory fly with spotted wings that perches head-downward on vegetation waiting for prey.

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Did You Know?

Always rests facing downward on stems and leaves, earning it the name downlooker or snipe fly.

Smoky Wainscot

A dull brownish wainscot moth extremely common in grasslands. Larvae feed on various grass species. Often confused with the similar Common Wainscot.

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Did You Know?

So similar to the Common Wainscot that reliable identification often requires examination of genitalia.