Deer Fly (Chrysops) vs Snow Pool Mosquito

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Deer Fly (Chrysops) Snow Pool Mosquito
Scientific Name Chrysops silacea Aedes communis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tabanidae Culicidae
Size 8-12 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Detritivores
Regions West and Central Africa, Congo Basin North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Deer Fly (Chrysops)

A medium-sized fly with striking patterned wings and bright green eyes. It is the primary vector of Loa loa, the African eyeworm, in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. It bites during the day, especially around the forest canopy.

💡

Did You Know?

The Loa loa worm it transmits can sometimes be seen migrating across the white of the eye, earning it the name 'African eyeworm'.

Snow Pool Mosquito

A cold-adapted mosquito of boreal forests that breeds in snowmelt pools and flooded stream margins. Larvae hatch synchronously with spring thaw.

💡

Did You Know?

Eggs require a freezing period before they can hatch, ensuring they only develop in spring.