Broad Centurion Soldier Fly vs Sweet Itch Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Broad Centurion Soldier Fly Sweet Itch Midge
Scientific Name Chloromyia formosa Culicoides obsoletus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Stratiomyidae Ceratopogonidae
Size 7-10 mm 1-3 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Detritivores Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Broad Centurion Soldier Fly

A beautiful metallic green soldier fly with a broad, flattened abdomen and coppery reflections. Males are more blue-green while females appear more coppery-bronze.

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Did You Know?

Males and females are so differently colored that they were originally described as separate species.

Sweet Itch Midge

A tiny dark biting midge with patterned wings that causes an allergic skin condition called sweet itch in horses. It breeds in moist, organically rich habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is the primary vector of Bluetongue virus in livestock across Europe.