Giant Eastern Crane Fly vs Eye Gnat

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Eastern Crane Fly Eye Gnat
Scientific Name Pedicia albivitta Liohippelates pusio
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Pediciidae Chloropidae
Size 20-30 mm body length 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Eastern Crane Fly

A large crane fly with long delicate legs and white-banded wing markings found near forest streams. Despite its mosquito-like appearance, it is completely harmless.

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Did You Know?

Its aquatic larvae are voracious predators that hunt other insect larvae in cold forest streams.

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.

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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.