Fly vs. Mosquito — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
Flies are a diverse group of insects with over 120,000 species, known for their two wings, while mosquitoes, a subgroup of flies, are distinguished by their biting females that feed on blood to nurture their eggs.
Difference Between Fly and Mosquito
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Flies, belonging to the order Diptera, are characterized by a pair of wings and a wide variety of habitats and diets. This order includes more than 120,000 species, ranging from the common housefly to fruit flies and beyond. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are a specific group within this order, known scientifically as the family Culicidae. They are notorious for the females' habit of feeding, a behavior essential for the development of their eggs.
While flies are generally seen as nuisances due to their attraction to food and waste, contributing to the spread of diseases, they also play critical roles in ecosystems, such as pollinating plants and decomposing organic matter. Mosquitoes, despite their smaller diversity with around 3,500 species, have a significant impact on human health, transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus through their bites.
The lifecycle of a fly usually involves four stages: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult, with significant variation among species. Mosquitoes also follow this lifecycle but are unique in their requirement for standing water to breed, as their eggs are laid on the surface of water bodies or in areas prone to flooding.
Both flies and mosquitoes have adapted to coexist with humans, often to our detriment. However, their control and management involve different strategies due to their distinct behaviors and breeding requirements. While reducing waste and covering food can help deter flies, eliminating standing water sources is crucial to control mosquito populations.
Comparison Chart
Order
Diptera
Diptera (specifically, family Culicidae)
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Species
Over 120,000
About 3,500
Impact
Spread diseases, pollinate plants.
Transmit serious diseases like malaria.
Appearance
Varied sizes/colors, robust bodies.
Slender bodies, long legs, elongated mouthparts (proboscis).
Lifecycle
Egg, larva, pupa, adult.
Egg, larva, pupa, adult, with aquatic larvae.
Breeding
Varied environments.
Require standing water to breed.
Compare with Definitions
Fly
Diverse in habitat and diet.
The fruit fly prefers ripe fruits and vegetables.
Mosquito
Control involves water management.
Eliminating standing water can reduce mosquito populations.
Fly
Varied lifecycle environments.
Maggots are often found in decomposing matter.
Mosquito
Known for slender bodies and long legs.
Mosquitoes can be recognized by their delicate appearance.
Fly
General nuisance but not all harmful.
While annoying, not all flies spread diseases.
Mosquito
Major vectors of diseases.
Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading malaria and dengue fever.
Fly
Known for robust bodies.
The housefly can be identified by its medium-sized, robust body.
Mosquito
Eggs laid on water.
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Fly
Plays ecological roles.
Some fly species are important for pollination.
Mosquito
Mosquitoes are members of a group of about 3,500 species of small flies within the family Culicidae (from the Latin culex meaning "gnat"). The word "mosquito" (formed by mosca and diminutive -ito) is Spanish for "little fly".
Fly
Flies are insects of the order Diptera, the name being derived from the Greek δι- di- "two", and πτερόν pteron "wing". Insects of this order use only a single pair of wings to fly, the hindwings having evolved into advanced mechanosensory organs known as halteres, which act as high-speed sensors of rotational movement and allow dipterans to perform advanced aerobatics.
Mosquito
See Miskito.
Fly
To move through the air by means of wings or winglike parts.
Mosquito
To fly close to the ground, seemingly without a course.
Fly
To travel by air
We flew to Dallas.
Fly
To operate an aircraft or spacecraft.
Fly
To rise in or be carried through the air by the wind
A kite flying above the playground.
Fly
To float or flap in the air
Pennants flying from the masthead.
Fly
To move or be sent through the air with great speed
Bullets flying in every direction.
A plate that flew from my hands when I stumbled.
Fly
To move with great speed; rush or dart
The children flew down the hall.
Fly
To be communicated to many people
Rumors are flying about their breakup.
Fly
To flee; escape.
Fly
To hasten; spring
Flew to her students' defense.
Fly
To pass by swiftly
A vacation flying by.
Fly
To be dissipated; vanish
All his money has flown.
Fly
Past tense and past participle flied (flīd) Baseball To hit a fly ball.
Fly
To shatter or explode
The dropped plate flew into pieces.
Fly
To become suddenly emotional, especially angry
The driver flew into a rage.
Fly
(Informal) To gain acceptance or approval; go over
"However sophisticated the reasoning, this particular notion may not fly" (New York Times).
Fly
To cause to fly or float in the air
Fly a kite.
Fly a flag.
Fly
(Nautical) To operate under (a particular flag)
A tanker that flies the Liberian flag.
Fly
To pilot (an aircraft or spacecraft).
Fly
To carry or transport in an aircraft or spacecraft
Fly emergency supplies to a stricken area.
Fly
To pass over or through in flight
Flew the coastal route in record time.
Fly
To perform in a spacecraft or aircraft
Flew six missions into space.
Fly
To flee or run from
Fly a place in panic.
Fly
To avoid; shun
Fly temptation.
Fly
The act of flying; flight.
Fly
The opening, or the fastening that closes this opening, on the front of a pair of pants.
Fly
The flap of cloth that covers this opening.
Fly
A piece of protective fabric secured over a tent and often extended over the entrance.
Fly
A flyleaf.
Fly
(Baseball) A fly ball.
Fly
(Sports) In swimming, butterfly.
Fly
The span of a flag from the staff to the outer edge.
Fly
The outer edge of a flag.
Fly
A flywheel.
Fly
Flies The area directly over the stage of a theater, containing overhead lights, drop curtains, and equipment for raising and lowering sets.
Fly
Chiefly British A one-horse carriage, especially one for hire.
Fly
Any of numerous two-winged insects of the order Diptera, especially any of the family Muscidae, which includes the housefly.
Fly
Any of various other flying insects, such as a caddisfly.
Fly
A fishing lure simulating something a fish eats, such as a mayfly or a minnow, made by attaching materials such as feathers, tinsel, and colored thread to a fishhook.
Fly
Chiefly British Mentally alert; sharp.
Fly
(Slang) Fashionable; stylish.
Fly
(zoology) Any insect of the order Diptera; characterized by having two wings (except for some wingless species), also called true flies.
Fly
(non-technical) Especially, any of the insects of the family Muscidae, such as the common housefly (other families of Diptera include mosquitoes and midges).
Fly
Any similar, but not closely related insect, such as a dragonfly or butterfly.
Fly
(fishing) A lightweight fishing lure resembling an insect.
Fly
(weightlifting) A chest exercise performed by moving extended arms from the sides to in front of the chest. (also flye)
Fly
(swimming) The butterfly stroke (plural is normally flys).
Fly
(obsolete) A witch's familiar.
Fly
(obsolete) A parasite.
Fly
(preceded by definite article) A simple dance in which the hands are shaken in the air, popular in the 1960s.
Fly
(finance) A butterfly (combination of four options).
Fly
(obsolete) The action of flying; flight.
Fly
An act of flying.
There was a good wind, so I decided to give the kite a fly.
Fly
(baseball) A fly ball.
Fly
(American football) fly route
Fly
A piece of canvas that covers the opening at the front of a tent.
Fly
The sloping or roof part of the canvas of a tent.
Fly
(often plural) A strip of material (sometimes hiding zippers or buttons) at the front of a pair of trousers, pants, underpants, bootees, etc.
Ha-ha! Your flies are undone!
Fly
The free edge of a flag.
Fly
The horizontal length of a flag.
Fly
(weightlifting) An exercise that involves wide opening and closing of the arms perpendicular to the shoulders.
Fly
The part of a vane pointing the direction from which the wind blows.
Fly
(nautical) That part of a compass on which the points are marked; the compass card.
Fly
Two or more vanes set on a revolving axis, to act as a fanner, or to equalize or impede the motion of machinery by the resistance of the air, as in the striking part of a clock.
Fly
(historical) A type of small, light, fast horse-drawn carriage that can be hired for transportation (sometimes pluralised flys).
Fly
In a knitting machine, the piece hinged to the needle, which holds the engaged loop in position while the needle is penetrating another loop; a latch..
Fly
The pair of arms revolving around the bobbin, in a spinning wheel or spinning frame, to twist the yarn.
Fly
(weaving) A shuttle driven through the shed by a blow or jerk.
Fly
The person who took the printed sheets from the press.
Fly
A vibrating frame with fingers, attached to a power printing press for doing the same work.
Fly
One of the upper screens of a stage in a theatre.
Fly
(cotton manufacture) waste cotton
Fly
A wing.
The bullet barely grazed the wild fowl's fly.
Fly
(intransitive) To travel through the air, another gas, or a vacuum, without being in contact with a grounded surface.
Birds of passage fly to warmer regions as it gets colder in winter.
The Concorde flew from Paris to New York faster than any other passenger airplane.
It takes about eleven hours to fly from Frankfurt to Hong Kong.
The little fairy flew home on the back of her friend, the giant eagle.
Fly
To flee, to escape (from).
Fly, my lord! The enemy are upon us!
Fly
To cause to fly travel or float in the air: to transport via air or the like.
Charles Lindbergh flew his airplane The Spirit of St. Louis across the Atlantic ocean.
Why don’t you go outside and fly kites, kids? The wind is just perfect.
Birds fly their prey to their nest to feed it to their young.
Each day the postal service flies thousands of letters around the globe.
Fly
(intransitive) To travel or proceed very fast; to hasten.
He flew down the hill on his bicycle.
It's five o'clock already. Doesn't time fly?
Fly
(intransitive) To move suddenly, or with violence; to do an act suddenly or swiftly.
A door flies open
A bomb flies apart
Fly
(intransitive) To proceed with great success.
His career is really flying at the moment.
One moment the company was flying high, the next it was on its knees.
Fly
To be accepted, come about or work out.
Let's see if that idea flies.
You know, I just don't think that's going to fly. Why don't you spend your time on something better?
Fly
To display (a flag) on a flagpole.
Fly
(transitive) To hunt with a hawk.
Fly
To be in the winged adult stage.
This species flies from late summer until frost.
Fly
To hit a fly ball; to hit a fly ball that is caught for an out. Compare ground (verb) and line (verb).
Jones flied to right in his last at-bat.
Fly
Quick-witted, alert, mentally sharp.
Fly
(slang) Well dressed, smart in appearance; in style, cool.
He's pretty fly.
Fly
(slang) Beautiful; displaying physical beauty.
Fly
To move in or pass through the air with wings, as a bird.
Fly
To move through the air or before the wind; esp., to pass or be driven rapidly through the air by any impulse.
Fly
To float, wave, or rise in the air, as sparks or a flag.
Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
Fly
To move or pass swiftly; to hasten away; to circulate rapidly; as, a ship flies on the deep; a top flies around; rumor flies.
Fly, envious Time, till thou run out thy race.
The dark waves murmured as the ships flew on.
Fly
To run from danger; to attempt to escape; to flee; as, an enemy or a coward flies. See Note under Flee.
Fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.
Whither shall I fly to escape their hands ?
Fly
To move suddenly, or with violence; to do an act suddenly or swiftly; - usually with a qualifying word; as, a door flies open; a bomb flies apart.
Fly
To cause to fly or to float in the air, as a bird, a kite, a flag, etc.
The brave black flag I fly.
Fly
To fly or flee from; to shun; to avoid.
Sleep flies the wretch.
To fly the favors of so good a king.
Fly
To hunt with a hawk.
Fly
To manage (an aircraft) in flight; as, to fly an aëroplane.
Fly
Any winged insect; esp., one with transparent wings; as, the Spanish fly; firefly; gall fly; dragon fly.
Fly
A hook dressed in imitation of a fly, - used for fishing.
Fly
A familiar spirit; a witch's attendant.
A trifling fly, none of your great familiars.
Fly
A parasite.
Fly
A kind of light carriage for rapid transit, plying for hire and usually drawn by one horse.
Fly
The length of an extended flag from its staff; sometimes, the length from the "union" to the extreme end.
Fly
The part of a vane pointing the direction from which the wind blows.
Fly
That part of a compass on which the points are marked; the compass card.
Fly
Two or more vanes set on a revolving axis, to act as a fanner, or to equalize or impede the motion of machinery by the resistance of the air, as in the striking part of a clock.
Fly
The piece hinged to the needle, which holds the engaged loop in position while the needle is penetrating another loop; a latch.
Fly
The pair of arms revolving around the bobbin, in a spinning wheel or spinning frame, to twist the yarn.
Fly
A shuttle driven through the shed by a blow or jerk.
Fly
Formerly, the person who took the printed sheets from the press.
Fly
The outer canvas of a tent with double top, usually drawn over the ridgepole, but so extended as to touch the roof of the tent at no other place.
Fly
One of the upper screens of a stage in a theater.
Fly
The fore flap of a bootee; also, a lap on trousers, overcoats, etc., to conceal a row of buttons.
Fly
A batted ball that flies to a considerable distance, usually high in the air; also, the flight of a ball so struck; as, it was caught on the fly. Also called fly ball.
Fly
Waste cotton.
Fly
Knowing; wide awake; fully understanding another's meaning.
Fly
Two-winged insects characterized by active flight
Fly
Flap consisting of a piece of canvas that can be drawn back to provide entrance to a tent
Fly
An opening in a garment that is closed by a zipper or buttons concealed by a fold of cloth
Fly
(baseball) a hit that flies up in the air
Fly
Fisherman's lure consisting of a fishhook decorated to look like an insect
Fly
Travel through the air; be airborne;
Man cannot fly
Fly
Move quickly or suddenly;
He flew about the place
Fly
Fly a plane
Fly
Transport by aeroplane;
We fly flowers from the Caribbean to North America
Fly
Cause to fly or float;
Fly a kite
Fly
Be dispersed or disseminated;
Rumors and accusations are flying
Fly
Change quickly from one emotional state to another;
Fly into a rage
Fly
Pass away rapidly;
Time flies like an arrow
Time fleeing beneath him
Fly
Travel in an airplane;
She is flying to Cincinnati tonight
Are we driving or flying?
Fly
Display in the air or cause to float;
Fly a kite
All nations fly their flags in front of the U.N.
Fly
Run away quickly;
He threw down his gun and fled
Fly
Travel over (an area of land or sea) in an aircraft;
Lindbergh was the first to fly the Atlantic
Fly
Hit a fly
Fly
Decrease rapidly and disappear;
The money vanished in las Vegas
All my stock assets have vaporized
Fly
(British informal) not to be deceived or hoodwinked
Common Curiosities
Are all flies harmful?
No, many flies play important roles in ecosystems, such as pollinating plants and decomposing waste.
Why is water important for mosquito breeding?
Mosquito larvae develop in water, making any standing water a potential breeding site.
How do you prevent flies and mosquitoes from entering the home?
Using screens on windows and doors, covering food, and eliminating standing water can help prevent both flies and mosquitoes.
Do mosquitoes serve any positive ecological role?
Yes, mosquitoes are food for many species and some are pollinators, but their disease-spreading aspect often overshadows these roles.
What is the lifespan of a fly?
Lifespans vary widely among species, but many houseflies live about a month in ideal conditions.
Can flies spread diseases like mosquitoes?
Yes, some flies can spread diseases, but mosquitoes are more notorious for transmitting serious illnesses.
Can mosquitoes transmit HIV?
No, mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV. This virus does not survive or replicate within mosquitoes.
Are there any beneficial mosquitoes?
While most are pests, some mosquitoes are important for the ecological balance and can be pollinators.
Why are mosquitoes more active at dusk and dawn?
These times offer ideal conditions for feeding and avoiding direct sunlight, which can dehydrate mosquitoes.
Why are flies attracted to humans?
Flies are attracted to food, sweat, and sometimes the carbon dioxide we exhale.
How do you treat a mosquito bite?
Washing the area with soap and water and applying an anti-itch cream or a cold compress can help relieve itching.
Can eliminating all mosquitoes have negative effects?
Yes, it could disrupt ecosystems, affecting species that feed on mosquitoes and pollination processes.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
