Common Moth Fly vs Woodland Pool Mosquito

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Moth Fly Woodland Pool Mosquito
Scientific Name Psychoda alternata Aedes canadensis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Psychodidae Culicidae
Size 2-4 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Cosmopolitan North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Moth Fly

A tiny grayish moth fly with broad, hairy wings giving it a distinctly moth-like appearance. Its wings are held flat over the body at rest, and it runs in short hops when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Moth flies are important components of sewage treatment trickling filter beds where their larvae help break down waste.

Woodland Pool Mosquito

A cold-hardy mosquito that breeds in snowmelt pools and temporary woodland streams. Larvae develop rapidly in ephemeral water bodies during spring.

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Did You Know?

Eggs can survive freezing through winter and hatch immediately when submerged by spring snowmelt.