Sonorensis Biting Midge vs Hornet Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sonorensis Biting Midge | Hornet Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides sonorensis | Volucella zonaria |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 18-22 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | North America, especially southwestern United States | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sonorensis Biting Midge
A small biting midge that is the primary vector of bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in North America. It breeds in muddy margins of dairy wastewater ponds and is most abundant in the southwestern United States. It is responsible for severe livestock disease outbreaks.
Did You Know?
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease transmitted by this midge kills thousands of white-tailed deer across North America annually.
Hornet Hoverfly
Europe's largest hoverfly and a convincing hornet mimic with bold yellow-and-brown banding. Its larvae develop as scavengers in the nests of social wasps and hornets.
Did You Know?
Its larvae live inside hornet nests, feeding on dead wasps and nest debris while being ignored by the colony.