Sweet Itch Midge vs Ornate Soldier Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sweet Itch Midge | Ornate Soldier Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides obsoletus | Odontomyia ornata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
It is the primary vector of Bluetongue virus in livestock across Europe.
Ornate Soldier Fly
A medium-sized soldier fly with a green and black patterned abdomen and a somewhat flattened body. Adults are sluggish fliers often found basking on waterside vegetation.
Did You Know?
Its aquatic larvae have a unique hydrophobic tail fringe that acts as a breathing snorkel at the water surface.