Common House Mosquito vs Ochraceum Black Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common House Mosquito | Ochraceum Black Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culex pipiens | Simulium ochraceum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 1.5-3 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Mountains |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide temperate regions | Mexico, Guatemala, southern Mexico, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common House Mosquito
A ubiquitous pale brown mosquito found in urban and suburban environments. It is the primary vector of West Nile virus in temperate regions.
Did You Know?
Underground populations in the London Tube have evolved into a distinct biting form called Culex pipiens molestus.
Ochraceum Black Fly
A small orangish-brown black fly that is the principal vector of onchocerciasis in Central America and southern Mexico. It breeds in small, fast-running mountain streams. Biting activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon in coffee-growing regions.
Did You Know?
The Americas are close to eliminating onchocerciasis thanks to mass ivermectin distribution targeting this vector's parasite.