American Hoverfly vs Biting Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Hoverfly | Biting Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eupeodes americanus | Culicoides impunctatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Ceratopogonidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Indoors |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
American Hoverfly
A widespread North American hoverfly with yellow and black markings. Larvae are voracious aphid predators in crop fields.
Did You Know?
A single larva can consume several hundred aphids before pupating.
Biting Midge
A tiny, gray, blood-sucking fly notorious in Scotland and Scandinavia as the Highland midge. Swarms can be so dense they form visible clouds and drive people indoors.
Did You Know?
Highland midges are estimated to cost the Scottish tourism industry over 300 million pounds annually and were reportedly a factor in slowing the construction of the West Highland Railway.