Polynesian Tiger Mosquito vs Parasitic Bee Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Polynesian Tiger Mosquito Parasitic Bee Fly
Scientific Name Aedes polynesiensis Winthemia rufopicta
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Tachinidae
Size 3-5 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Blood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions South Pacific islands, Polynesia, Melanesia North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Polynesian Tiger Mosquito

A dark mosquito with white markings found across the South Pacific islands. It is an important vector of lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti) and dengue in the Pacific. It breeds in natural containers like coconut shells, crab holes, and tree holes.

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Did You Know?

Biological control using the mosquito Toxorhynchites amboinensis was attempted in the Pacific, as it preys on Aedes larvae.

Parasitic Bee Fly

A medium-sized tachinid fly that parasitizes armyworm caterpillars and other crop pest larvae. It is found across multiple continents.

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Did You Know?

Females deposit multiple larvae on a single caterpillar but only one typically survives to maturity.