Buffalo Fly vs Long-Palped Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Buffalo Fly Long-Palped Crane Fly
Scientific Name Haematobia irritans exigua Dicranota bimaculata
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Muscidae Pediciidae
Size 3-4 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

Buffalo flies cause annual economic losses exceeding 100 million dollars to the Australian cattle industry.

Long-Palped Crane Fly

A short-bodied crane fly whose predatory larvae inhabit gravel beds of clean streams. Larvae are active hunters among cobble interstices.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most crane fly larvae, this species is an active predator rather than a detritivore.