Common Thick-headed Fly vs Common House Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Thick-headed Fly | Common House Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sicus ferrugineus | Culex pipiens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Conopidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Wetlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Worldwide temperate regions |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Thick-headed Fly
A distinctive orange-brown fly with a disproportionately large, inflated head and a curved abdomen. It perches conspicuously on flowers waiting to intercept passing bumblebees.
Did You Know?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.
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.