Melon Fly vs Common House Mosquito

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Melon Fly Common House Mosquito
Scientific Name Zeugodacus cucurbitae Culex pipiens
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tephritidae Culicidae
Size 6-8 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Farmland Wetlands
Diet Fruit Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Hawaii Worldwide temperate regions
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Melon Fly

A reddish-yellow fruit fly that is a major pest of melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits. It has spread from Asia to become invasive across tropical regions.

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Did You Know?

Eradication of the melon fly from Okinawa was one of the most successful sterile insect programs in history.

Common House Mosquito

A ubiquitous pale brown mosquito found in urban and suburban environments. It is the primary vector of West Nile virus in temperate regions.

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Did You Know?

Underground populations in the London Tube have evolved into a distinct biting form called Culex pipiens molestus.