Sweet Itch Midge vs Tropical Green Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sweet Itch Midge Tropical Green Lacewing
Scientific Name Culicoides obsoletus Chrysoperla rufilabris
Order Diptera Neuroptera
Family Ceratopogonidae Chrysopidae
Size 1-3 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Western Asia North America, Central America
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Tropical Green Lacewing

A widely distributed green lacewing used commercially for biological pest control in greenhouses. Larvae are aggressive predators of whiteflies and mealybugs.

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Did You Know?

This species is mass-reared and sold commercially, with millions released annually for organic pest control.