Copper-Bottom Blow Fly vs Black Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Copper-Bottom Blow Fly Black Earwig
Scientific Name Lucilia cuprina Chelisoches morio
Order Diptera Dermaptera
Family Calliphoridae Chelisochidae
Size 9-13 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Carrion Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Australia, South Africa, Asia Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Copper-Bottom Blow Fly

A metallic green-gold blow fly that is the most destructive cause of sheep blowfly strike in Australia and South Africa. Females lay eggs in soiled wool, and larvae burrow into the skin, causing severe tissue destruction. It has developed resistance to multiple insecticides used for livestock protection.

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Did You Know?

Australia loses over 170 million dollars annually to sheep blowfly strike caused by this species.

Black Earwig

A glossy black earwig with reddish legs commonly found in tropical regions. It is often associated with banana plantations and palm trees.

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Did You Know?

The black earwig has been spread throughout the tropics via the banana trade and is now pantropical in distribution.