European Bat Bug vs Biting Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Bat Bug Biting Midge
Scientific Name Cimex pipistrelli Culicoides impunctatus
Order Hemiptera Diptera
Family Cimicidae Ceratopogonidae
Size 4-5 mm 1-3 mm
Habitat Caves Indoors
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Bat Bug

A cimicid bug that parasitizes pipistrelle and other bat species across Europe. It may invade living spaces when bats vacate roost sites.

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Did You Know?

When their bat hosts leave a roost seasonally, they may wander into occupied rooms seeking alternative blood meals.

Biting Midge

A tiny, gray, blood-sucking fly notorious in Scotland and Scandinavia as the Highland midge. Swarms can be so dense they form visible clouds and drive people indoors.

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Did You Know?

Highland midges are estimated to cost the Scottish tourism industry over 300 million pounds annually and were reportedly a factor in slowing the construction of the West Highland Railway.