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Similar Insects
Mosquitoes are one of many groups of flying insects common to Yuba and Sutter counties. Many others look very similar, both in size and color, making them difficult to distinguish from mosquitoes. These others may be an annoyance, but few of them bite and none are of public health importance.
Midges
Midges are the most widespread and numerous insects resembling mosquitoes. Often they can be seen in summer months swarming in tall columns in the evenings at dusk. Periodically they will rest in large numbers on walls or on screens. They can be distinguished from mosquitoes as midges do not have a proboscis and do not bite. The larvae develop in water, such as lakes, ponds and other pools. Often the larvae hatch in mass numbers filling the water with tiny, red colored worms, sometimes referred to as blood worms.
Crane Flies
This fly is often incorrectly referred to as a “mosquito eater” or “mosquito-hawk”. They look like an overgrown mosquito some growing as large as 1½ to 2 inches. Unfortunately they do not prey on mosquitoes. They appear in the springtime, as their larvae hatch from muddy soils. They don't bite, but live a short time searching for a mate. Adults do not feed.
Black Gnats
These are very small insects, often called “no-see-ums”. Black gnats are vicious daytime biters. They breed in sandy clay, mud and seashores. Most often, they are found near their sources as they are limited in their flight distances.
Mayflies
Mayflies are not true flies as they belong to a different order. Adults live only a few days at most and do not feed. Mayflies molt once leaving behind their exoskeleton (skin), often still attached to walls or other surfaces. Adults produce thousands of eggs which are laid on rocks or other objects in water. Mayfly larvae are an important food source for many freshwater fish.
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