Pied Hoverfly vs Biting Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pied Hoverfly | Biting Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scaeva pyrastri | Culicoides impunctatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Ceratopogonidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Indoors |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pied Hoverfly
A large, elegant hoverfly with white crescent-shaped markings on a dark abdomen. It is a strong migrant and beneficial aphid predator.
Did You Know?
Its white crescent markings distinguish it from nearly all other European hoverflies at a glance.
Biting Midge
A tiny, gray, blood-sucking fly notorious in Scotland and Scandinavia as the Highland midge. Swarms can be so dense they form visible clouds and drive people indoors.
Did You Know?
Highland midges are estimated to cost the Scottish tourism industry over 300 million pounds annually and were reportedly a factor in slowing the construction of the West Highland Railway.