Rift Valley Fever Mosquito vs Flat-footed Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rift Valley Fever Mosquito Flat-footed Fly
Scientific Name Aedes mcintoshi Lindneromyia dorsalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Platypezidae
Size 4-6 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions East and Southern Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rift Valley Fever Mosquito

A medium-sized mosquito found in the floodplains and dambos of East Africa. It is an important primary vector of Rift Valley fever virus, maintaining the virus between epidemics through transovarial transmission. Its eggs hatch en masse after seasonal flooding of grassland depressions.

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Did You Know?

Rift Valley fever virus can be passed from mother to offspring through the eggs, allowing the virus to survive dry periods for years.

Flat-footed Fly

A tiny fly that runs in circles on leaf surfaces during its courtship display.

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Did You Know?

Males perform rapid circular dances on sunlit leaves to attract mates.