Alpine Snow Fly vs Copper-Bottom Blow Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Snow Fly Copper-Bottom Blow Fly
Scientific Name Chionea lutescens Lucilia cuprina
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Limoniidae Calliphoridae
Size 3-5 mm body length 9-13 mm
Habitat Mountains Farmland
Diet Scavengers Carrion Feeders
Regions Alps, Central Europe Australia, South Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alpine Snow Fly

A yellowish wingless crane fly found on snow in alpine regions. It breeds in soil beneath the snowpack where larvae feed on decaying matter.

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Did You Know?

Adults emerge in midwinter and mate directly on the snow surface.

Copper-Bottom Blow Fly

A metallic green-gold blow fly that is the most destructive cause of sheep blowfly strike in Australia and South Africa. Females lay eggs in soiled wool, and larvae burrow into the skin, causing severe tissue destruction. It has developed resistance to multiple insecticides used for livestock protection.

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Did You Know?

Australia loses over 170 million dollars annually to sheep blowfly strike caused by this species.