Gypsy Moth Tachinid vs Southern House Mosquito

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gypsy Moth Tachinid Southern House Mosquito
Scientific Name Compsilura concinnata Culex quinquefasciatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tachinidae Culicidae
Size 7-10 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasites Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Tropics and subtropics worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Gypsy Moth Tachinid

A parasitic fly introduced to North America from Europe to control gypsy moths. It has an extremely broad host range attacking over 200 insect species.

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Did You Know?

Its introduction to North America is now considered a mistake because it devastated native silk moth populations.

Southern House Mosquito

A tropical and subtropical mosquito that breeds in polluted water. It transmits lymphatic filariasis and is a major nuisance biter at night.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in organically polluted water that most other mosquito species cannot tolerate.