Arctic Louse Fly vs Australian Beefly Robber

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arctic Louse Fly Australian Beefly Robber
Scientific Name Ornithomya fringillina Blepharotes coriarius
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Hippoboscidae Asilidae
Size 4-6 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Woodlands
Diet Parasites Predators
Regions Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arctic Louse Fly

A flattened, wingless or short-winged parasitic fly that lives among the feathers of Arctic birds. Its laterally flattened body allows it to move easily through plumage. Adults have strong claws for gripping feathers.

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Did You Know?

These flies can survive being transported thousands of kilometers on migratory birds from the Arctic to their wintering grounds.

Australian Beefly Robber

Australia's largest robber fly, heavily built with a dense covering of dark hair. It is a powerful predator capable of taking large beetles.

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Did You Know?

It is so large and powerful that it has been observed catching and eating cicadas.