Biting Midge vs African Stink Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Biting Midge | African Stink Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides impunctatus | Paltothyreus tarsatus |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Indoors |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
African Stink Ant
A very large black ponerine ant that releases a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed. It is one of Africa's most conspicuous ground-dwelling ants with a powerful sting.
Did You Know?
Its defensive odor is so pungent it can be smelled by humans from over a meter away.