Copper-Bottom Blow Fly vs Eupeodes Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Copper-Bottom Blow Fly Eupeodes Hoverfly
Scientific Name Lucilia cuprina Eupeodes corollae
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Calliphoridae Syrphidae
Size 9-13 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Carrion Feeders Predators
Regions Australia, South Africa, Asia Europe, Asia, North Africa
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.

Eupeodes Hoverfly

A common small hoverfly with variable yellow comma-shaped markings on the abdomen. It is a migratory species and important aphid predator.

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Did You Know?

It migrates in huge numbers from southern Europe northward each spring alongside painted lady butterflies.