Cave Weta vs Biting Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cave Weta | Biting Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gymnoplectron acanthocerum | Culicoides impunctatus |
| Order | Orthoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Rhaphidophoridae | Ceratopogonidae |
| Size | 30-50 mm body | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Indoors |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cave Weta
A large cave-dwelling weta endemic to New Zealand with extremely long antennae up to three times its body length. Uses its antennae to navigate in complete darkness.
Did You Know?
Cave wetas have antennae so long they can span a cave entrance like a trip wire — detecting predators and prey in pitch darkness using touch and vibration alone.
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.