Australian Sheep Blowfly vs Horse Sucking Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Sheep Blowfly Horse Sucking Louse
Scientific Name Calliphora augur Haematopinus asini
Order Diptera Phthiraptera
Family Calliphoridae Haematopinidae
Size 10-13 mm 2.5-3.5 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Carrion Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Australia Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Sheep Blowfly

A large, dark blue blow fly endemic to Australia with a distinctive orange face and cheeks. It is one of the earliest colonizers of carrion in Australian conditions and is used in forensic entomology. Occasionally it contributes to secondary blowfly strike in sheep.

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Did You Know?

Its bright orange face distinguishes it from other blue blow flies and makes it one of the most recognizable forensic indicator species in Australia.

Horse Sucking Louse

A large blood-sucking louse found on horses, donkeys, and mules. It prefers areas with long hair such as the mane, forelock, and tail base.

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Did You Know?

Infested horses develop a rough, dull coat and the constant irritation can cause significant weight loss.