Farmyard Midge vs Walnut Husk Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Farmyard Midge Walnut Husk Fly
Scientific Name Culicoides nubeculosus Rhagoletis completa
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Ceratopogonidae Tephritidae
Size 2 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Farmland Orchards
Diet Dung Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe North America, Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Farmyard Midge

A tiny biting midge that breeds in mud contaminated by dung or sewage. Adults suck blood from horses and cattle. Can transmit bluetongue virus and African horse sickness.

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Did You Know?

Despite being only 2mm long, it is the primary vector of bluetongue virus, a devastating livestock disease.

Walnut Husk Fly

A fruit fly whose larvae feed inside walnut husks, staining and damaging the nuts. It has become an invasive pest in European walnut-growing regions.

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Did You Know?

Larval feeding stains walnut shells black, making them unmarketable even though the nut inside may be fine.