Sand Gnat vs Common Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sand Gnat | Common Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides furens | Sicus ferrugineus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 1-2.5 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Coastal Americas from the southeastern United States to Brazil | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sand Gnat
A very small biting midge commonly known as a no-see-um due to its near-invisible size. Despite being barely visible, its bite is intensely painful and causes persistent itching.
Did You Know?
It is so small it can pass through standard window screens, earning the nickname no-see-um.
Common Thick-headed Fly
A distinctive orange-brown fly with a disproportionately large, inflated head and a curved abdomen. It perches conspicuously on flowers waiting to intercept passing bumblebees.
Did You Know?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.