Sweet Itch Midge vs New Caledonian Monarch Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sweet Itch Midge New Caledonian Monarch Fly
Scientific Name Culicoides obsoletus Bactrocera umbrosa
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Ceratopogonidae Tephritidae
Size 1-3 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Underground Orchards
Diet Blood Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia New Caledonia, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Sweet Itch Midge

A tiny dark biting midge with patterned wings that causes an allergic skin condition called sweet itch in horses. It breeds in moist, organically rich habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is the primary vector of Bluetongue virus in livestock across Europe.

New Caledonian Monarch Fly

A fruit fly found in New Caledonia and the western Pacific. It is a pest of breadfruit and jackfruit trees.

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Did You Know?

Males gather in large leks on fruit trees where they display to attract females.