Bot Fly vs Downes' Green Lacewing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bot Fly | Downes' Green Lacewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dermatobia hominis | Chrysoperla downesi |
| Order | Diptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Chrysopidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 12-18 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Parasites | Predators |
| Regions | Central America, South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bot Fly
Parasitic fly whose larvae develop under the skin of mammals including humans. Female captures a mosquito and glues eggs to it — when the mosquito bites, body heat triggers egg hatching.
Did You Know?
The human bot fly is so devious it hijacks mosquitoes — it catches them, glues eggs to their bodies, then the eggs hatch when the mosquito lands on warm skin.
Downes' Green Lacewing
A conifer-associated green lacewing that retains its green color through winter. Unlike relatives, it does not turn brown in cold months.
Did You Know?
It stays green year-round, while most related species change to brown or tan in winter.