Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Eastern Tree Hole Mosquito
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Eastern Tree Hole Mosquito |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Aedes triseriatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Culicidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.
Eastern Tree Hole Mosquito
A forest mosquito that breeds in water-filled tree holes and discarded tires. It is the primary vector of La Crosse encephalitis virus in North America.
Did You Know?
It can transmit La Crosse virus directly to its offspring through transovarial transmission.