Biting Midge vs Melon Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Biting Midge | Melon Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides impunctatus | Zeugodacus cucurbitae |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Tephritidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Hawaii |
| 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.
Melon Fly
A reddish-yellow fruit fly that is a major pest of melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits. It has spread from Asia to become invasive across tropical regions.
Did You Know?
Eradication of the melon fly from Okinawa was one of the most successful sterile insect programs in history.