Elephant Mosquito vs Common Moth Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Elephant Mosquito | Common Moth Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Toxorhynchites rutilus | Psychoda alternata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Cosmopolitan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Elephant Mosquito
A large, iridescent blue-green mosquito whose adults do not bite. Larvae are predators of other mosquito larvae in tree holes.
Did You Know?
It is studied as a biological control agent because its larvae devour disease-carrying mosquito larvae.
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.
Did You Know?
Moth flies are important components of sewage treatment trickling filter beds where their larvae help break down waste.