Mountain Hover Fly vs Common Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Hover Fly | Common Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arctophila superbiens | Culex modestus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm body length | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Northern Europe, Alps, Siberia | Europe, Central Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mountain Hover Fly
A furry, bumblebee-mimicking hover fly of alpine meadows. Its dense body hair helps it retain heat in cold mountain environments.
Did You Know?
Its convincing bumblebee mimicry deters predators despite being completely harmless.
Common Gnat
A small brownish mosquito widespread across Europe and Central Asia that breeds in marshes and rice paddies. It is a competent vector of West Nile virus and is considered the species responsible for several West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe. It feeds readily on both birds and mammals.
Did You Know?
This species was identified as the key West Nile virus vector in the Camargue wetlands of southern France.