Blandford Fly vs Gypsy Moth Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blandford Fly Gypsy Moth Tachinid
Scientific Name Simulium posticatum Compsilura concinnata
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Simuliidae Tachinidae
Size 2-3 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Parasites
Regions Europe Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blandford Fly

A notorious black fly that causes severe allergic reactions with its bite around the Blandford area of Dorset. Females need blood meals for egg development. Larvae develop in clean rivers.

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Did You Know?

Named after Blandford Forum in Dorset where outbreaks of painful bites affect thousands of people each summer.

Gypsy Moth Tachinid

A parasitic fly introduced to North America from Europe to control gypsy moths. It has an extremely broad host range attacking over 200 insect species.

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Did You Know?

Its introduction to North America is now considered a mistake because it devastated native silk moth populations.