Sonorensis Biting Midge vs Long-tailed Dance Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sonorensis Biting Midge | Long-tailed Dance Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides sonorensis | Rhamphomyia longicauda |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Empididae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 5-8mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | North America, especially southwestern United States | North America |
| 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.
Long-tailed Dance Fly
A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.