Buffalo Fly vs Common Mime
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buffalo Fly | Common Mime |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematobia irritans exigua | Papilio clytia |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Muscidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 80-100 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Common Mime
A polymorphic swallowtail butterfly that exists in two main forms: one mimicking the toxic Common Crow and the other mimicking the Blue Tiger. Both forms lack the typical swallowtail tails.
Did You Know?
The two distinct forms are controlled by a single genetic switch, making it one of the best examples of genetic polymorphism in butterflies.