Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly vs Cheese Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly Cheese Skipper
Scientific Name Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis Piophila casei
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Mydidae Piophilidae
Size 2.5-3.5 cm 3-5 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Caves
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions United States Cosmopolitan
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

A large flower fly endemic to the Delhi Sands area of San Bernardino County, California. It was the first fly to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

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Did You Know?

Listing this fly in 1993 caused controversy when it delayed construction of a hospital in its habitat.

Cheese Skipper

A small fly whose larvae infest stored cheese, cured meats, and other protein-rich foods. Larvae can leap up to 15 cm by curling and snapping their bodies.

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Did You Know?

Sardinian casu marzu cheese is deliberately infested with its larvae as a delicacy.