Southern House Mosquito vs Long-tailed Dance Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern House Mosquito Long-tailed Dance Fly
Scientific Name Culex quinquefasciatus Rhamphomyia longicauda
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Culicidae Empididae
Size 4-6 mm 5-8mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Tropics and subtropics worldwide North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Southern House Mosquito

A tropical and subtropical mosquito that breeds in polluted water. It transmits lymphatic filariasis and is a major nuisance biter at night.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in organically polluted water that most other mosquito species cannot tolerate.

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.

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Did You Know?

Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.