Buffalo Fly vs Pellucid Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buffalo Fly | Pellucid Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematobia irritans exigua | Volucella pellucens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Muscidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 14-17 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Pellucid Hoverfly
A large black hoverfly with a striking translucent white band across its abdomen. Its larvae are inquilines in the underground nests of social wasps.
Did You Know?
Its translucent white abdominal band makes it look like it has a window in its body, unlike any other hoverfly.