Rothschild's Achias vs Tanypod Predatory Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rothschild's Achias Tanypod Predatory Midge
Scientific Name Achias rothschildi Tanypus punctipennis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Platystomatidae Chironomidae
Size 15-18 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions Papua New Guinea North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Rothschild's Achias

A remarkable Papua New Guinean fly where males have enormously elongated eye stalks. Males use their extended eyes to size up rivals. Has the largest head capsule of any known insect.

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Did You Know?

Has the largest head capsule relative to body size of any insect, with eye stalks wider than its body.

Tanypod Predatory Midge

A predatory midge whose larvae hunt other small invertebrates in soft sediments. Adults have distinctively spotted wings.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most chironomids, Tanypodinae larvae are active predators with retractable head capsules for striking at prey.