Inland Floodwater Mosquito vs Window Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Inland Floodwater Mosquito | Window Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aedes vexans | Scenopinus fenestralis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Scenopinidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Indoors |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Worldwide except Antarctica | Worldwide |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its eggs can remain dormant in dry soil for years, hatching simultaneously after flooding to produce enormous swarms.
Window Fly
A small shiny black fly often found on windowsills inside buildings. Its larvae are beneficial predators of carpet beetle and clothes moth larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite being found indoors, it is actually beneficial because its larvae eat destructive carpet beetles.