Sallow Kitten vs Inland Floodwater Mosquito

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sallow Kitten Inland Floodwater Mosquito
Scientific Name Furcula furcula Aedes vexans
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Notodontidae Culicidae
Size 30-37 mm wingspan 4-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Worldwide except Antarctica
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sallow Kitten

A small, fluffy white moth with delicate grey markings. Named for its resemblance to a small cat. Larvae have tail filaments like the puss moth. Found near willow and sallow.

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Did You Know?

A diminutive relative of the puss moth, whose caterpillars share the same tail-whipping defensive behavior.

Inland Floodwater Mosquito

One of the most widespread and abundant mosquitoes globally, with a brownish body and narrow white bands on the hind tarsi. It is a major nuisance pest that emerges in massive numbers after flooding or heavy rains. It is a competent vector of Rift Valley fever virus and various encephalitis viruses.

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Did You Know?

Its eggs can remain dormant in dry soil for years, hatching simultaneously after flooding to produce enormous swarms.