St Mark's Fly vs Dot Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute St Mark's Fly Dot Moth
Scientific Name Bibio johannis Melanchra persicariae
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Bibionidae Noctuidae
Size 6-10mm 38-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Root Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

St Mark's Fly

A small black fly that swarms in May. Males have large heads with huge eyes that almost meet on top.

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Did You Know?

Often confused with the larger Bibio marci but emerges slightly later and has entirely dark legs.

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.