Sonorensis Biting Midge vs Picture-Winged Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sonorensis Biting Midge Picture-Winged Fly
Scientific Name Culicoides sonorensis Delphinia picta
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Ceratopogonidae Ulidiidae
Size 1-3 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
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.

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Did You Know?

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease transmitted by this midge kills thousands of white-tailed deer across North America annually.

Picture-Winged Fly

A small fly with beautifully patterned wings that it waves in display like tiny semaphore flags. The wing patterns may serve in species recognition and courtship.

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Did You Know?

When walking, it continuously waves its patterned wings in a mesmerizing display, resembling a tiny insect conductor leading an orchestra.