Coffin Fly vs Onchocerciasis Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Coffin Fly Onchocerciasis Black Fly
Scientific Name Conicera tibialis Simulium damnosum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Phoridae Simuliidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Coffin Fly

A tiny humpbacked fly capable of burrowing through soil to reach buried remains. It is of forensic importance as it can colonize remains inaccessible to other insects.

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Did You Know?

It can burrow through over a meter of soil to reach a food source below ground.

Onchocerciasis Black Fly

The primary vector of river blindness in West and Central Africa. Larvae thrive in oxygen-rich rapids of tropical rivers.

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Did You Know?

This species complex transmits the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which has blinded millions across Africa.