Brevipalpis Tsetse Fly vs Lovebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brevipalpis Tsetse Fly Lovebug
Scientific Name Glossina brevipalpis Plecia nearctica
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Glossinidae Bibionidae
Size 12-16 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Grasslands
Diet Blood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions East Africa (Kenya coast, Tanzania, Uganda) North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brevipalpis Tsetse Fly

The largest species of tsetse fly, with a robust body and short palps from which its name derives. It inhabits thicket and coastal bush habitats.

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Did You Know?

Despite its large size, it is a relatively weak vector of trypanosomiasis compared to other tsetse species.

Lovebug

A small black march fly famous for flying in mated pairs connected end to end for days. Massive swarms occur twice yearly in the southeastern United States, causing significant nuisance.

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Did You Know?

Their acidic body chemistry can damage car paint if not washed off quickly, costing motorists millions annually.