Ozark Stiletto Fly vs Common Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ozark Stiletto Fly | Common Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thereva frontalis | Culex modestus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Therevidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Central Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ozark Stiletto Fly
A medium-sized stiletto fly with a grayish body covered in fine pale hairs and clear wings. It is commonly found resting on sunlit surfaces in open woodlands.
Did You Know?
The larvae have a unique ability to move rapidly through loose sand using undulating body movements.
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.