Inland Floodwater Mosquito vs Noisy Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Inland Floodwater Mosquito Noisy Tachinid
Scientific Name Aedes vexans Tachina fera
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Tachinidae
Size 4-7 mm 9-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Worldwide except Antarctica Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Inland Floodwater Mosquito

One of the most widespread and abundant mosquitoes globally, with a brownish body and narrow white bands on the hind tarsi. It is a major nuisance pest that emerges in massive numbers after flooding or heavy rains. It is a competent vector of Rift Valley fever virus and various encephalitis viruses.

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Did You Know?

Its eggs can remain dormant in dry soil for years, hatching simultaneously after flooding to produce enormous swarms.

Noisy Tachinid

A large tawny-orange tachinid fly commonly found basking on vegetation in late summer. It parasitizes noctuid moth caterpillars in European habitats.

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Did You Know?

It produces a loud buzzing sound in flight that is distinctly audible from several meters away.