Gallinipper Mosquito vs Northern Black Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gallinipper Mosquito | Northern Black Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psorophora ciliata | Simulium venustum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 7-12 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America, Central and South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gallinipper Mosquito
One of the largest mosquitoes in North America, with shaggy legs covered in dark and pale scales. It delivers an exceptionally painful bite and breeds in temporary rain pools after heavy storms. Its larvae are predatory, feeding on other mosquito larvae in their shared breeding habitat.
Did You Know?
It is so large and bites so aggressively that early American settlers gave it the folk name 'gallinipper,' meaning something that nips gallon-sized bites.
Northern Black Fly
A common biting black fly of northern forests and boreal streams. Larvae form dense colonies on submerged rocks in cold flowing water.
Did You Know?
Females can detect carbon dioxide exhaled by hosts from over 20 meters away.