Buffalo Fly vs Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buffalo Fly | Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematobia irritans exigua | Megachile rotundata |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Muscidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands | North America, Europe, introduced to other regions |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Buffalo Fly
A small blood-feeding fly closely related to the horn fly, found primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a major pest of cattle and water buffalo, clustering on the animal's back, sides, and belly. Heavy infestations cause skin lesions and reduced milk production.
Did You Know?
Buffalo flies cause annual economic losses exceeding 100 million dollars to the Australian cattle industry.
Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee
A small solitary bee that cuts precise circular pieces from leaves to construct nest cells. It is the most important managed pollinator of alfalfa seed crops in North America.
Did You Know?
Alfalfa seed yields increased up to 1,000% when this bee was introduced as a managed pollinator.