Farmyard Midge vs Sheep Ked
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Farmyard Midge | Sheep Ked |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides nubeculosus | Melophagus ovinus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Hippoboscidae |
| Size | 2 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Cosmopolitan - worldwide where sheep are raised |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Farmyard Midge
A tiny biting midge that breeds in mud contaminated by dung or sewage. Adults suck blood from horses and cattle. Can transmit bluetongue virus and African horse sickness.
Did You Know?
Despite being only 2mm long, it is the primary vector of bluetongue virus, a devastating livestock disease.
Sheep Ked
A completely wingless, tick-like blood-sucking fly that lives permanently in sheep wool. Its flattened body and strong claws allow it to cling firmly to wool fibers.
Did You Know?
Despite being called a ked or tick, it is actually a true fly that has completely lost its wings through evolution.