Bat Fly vs Latrine Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bat Fly | Latrine Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Penicillidia conspicua | Fannia scalaris |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nycteribiidae | Fanniidae |
| Size | 2-5 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Wetlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Scavengers |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bat Fly
A bizarre wingless fly that lives exclusively as an ectoparasite on bats. It has lost its wings entirely and scurries through bat fur like a spider.
Did You Know?
These flies have evolved to look and move like spiders, having completely lost their wings and flattened their bodies for life in bat fur.
Latrine Fly
A small fly that breeds in excrement and decaying organic matter in latrines and drains. It can cause urogenital myiasis when larvae enter the urinary tract.
Did You Know?
Its flattened, spiny larvae are among the few fly species documented to cause urinary myiasis in humans.