Melon Fly vs Eye Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Melon Fly | Eye Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zeugodacus cucurbitae | Liohippelates pusio |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tephritidae | Chloropidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Hawaii | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Eradication of the melon fly from Okinawa was one of the most successful sterile insect programs in history.
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.
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.