Alpine Snow Fly vs Common House Mosquito

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Snow Fly Common House Mosquito
Scientific Name Chionea lutescens Culex pipiens
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Limoniidae Culicidae
Size 3-5 mm body length 4-7 mm
Habitat Mountains Wetlands
Diet Scavengers Blood Feeders
Regions Alps, Central Europe Worldwide temperate regions
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alpine Snow Fly

A yellowish wingless crane fly found on snow in alpine regions. It breeds in soil beneath the snowpack where larvae feed on decaying matter.

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Did You Know?

Adults emerge in midwinter and mate directly on the snow surface.

Common House Mosquito

A ubiquitous pale brown mosquito found in urban and suburban environments. It is the primary vector of West Nile virus in temperate regions.

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Did You Know?

Underground populations in the London Tube have evolved into a distinct biting form called Culex pipiens molestus.