Zodion Thick-headed Fly vs Biting Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Zodion Thick-headed Fly | Biting Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zodion cinereum | Culicoides impunctatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Conopidae | Ceratopogonidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Indoors |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Zodion Thick-headed Fly
A small, grayish-brown conopid fly with a slightly swollen head and prominent proboscis. It is commonly found on flowers where it stalks small bees and wasps for parasitism.
Did You Know?
Unlike larger conopids that tackle bumblebees, this species specializes in parasitizing smaller sweat bees and halictids.
Biting Midge
A tiny, gray, blood-sucking fly notorious in Scotland and Scandinavia as the Highland midge. Swarms can be so dense they form visible clouds and drive people indoors.
Did You Know?
Highland midges are estimated to cost the Scottish tourism industry over 300 million pounds annually and were reportedly a factor in slowing the construction of the West Highland Railway.