Sweet Itch Midge vs Yellow Dance Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sweet Itch Midge | Yellow Dance Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides obsoletus | Empis stercorea |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Empididae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| 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.
Yellow Dance Fly
A medium-sized dance fly with a yellowish body commonly found on spring flowers. Males present prey items as mating gifts. An important pollinator of spring flowers.
Did You Know?
Important early-season pollinators that visit spring flowers while also hunting small insects on them.