Eye Gnat vs Malabar Tree Nymph
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eye Gnat | Malabar Tree Nymph |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Liohippelates pusio | Idea malabarica |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chloropidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 120-154 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean | South Asia (India, endemic to the Western Ghats; also Sri Lanka) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eye Gnat
A tiny, shiny black fly attracted to eye and wound secretions of humans and animals. It is a suspected mechanical vector of bacterial conjunctivitis and yaws in tropical regions. Its persistent swarming around the face makes it an extremely annoying pest in agricultural areas.
Did You Know?
These flies are so strongly attracted to eye secretions that they will persistently return to a person's face even after being brushed away dozens of times.
Malabar Tree Nymph
A very large, elegant butterfly with translucent white wings patterned with dark veins and spots. It flies slowly and gracefully through the forest canopy, resembling a floating tissue paper in the dappled light.
Did You Know?
Its slow, fearless flight is an advertisement of its unpalatability; birds that taste it quickly learn to avoid its distinctive pattern.