Pale-bordered Field Cockroach vs Common Gnat

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pale-bordered Field Cockroach Common Gnat
Scientific Name Pseudomops septentrionalis Culex modestus
Order Blattodea Diptera
Family Ectobiidae Culicidae
Size 10-15mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions North America Europe, Central Asia, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pale-bordered Field Cockroach

A small outdoor cockroach with a distinctive pale border around its dark pronotum. It is an active daytime flier unlike most cockroaches. It feeds on pollen and decomposing vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most cockroaches, it is diurnal and can be seen actively flying in sunny fields during the day.

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.

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Did You Know?

This species was identified as the key West Nile virus vector in the Camargue wetlands of southern France.