Desert Firetail Damselfly vs Tumbu Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Firetail Damselfly Tumbu Fly
Scientific Name Telebasis salva Cordylobia anthropophaga
Order Odonata Diptera
Family Coenagrionidae Calliphoridae
Size 25-32 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Indoors
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Desert Firetail Damselfly

A bright red damselfly found at ponds and streams in the arid American Southwest. Males are vivid crimson while females are duller brown.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most heat-tolerant damselflies, actively flying in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.

Tumbu Fly

An African blow fly whose larvae cause furuncular myiasis in humans and animals. Females lay eggs on soil or clothing hung out to dry.

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Did You Know?

Ironing clothes thoroughly after drying them outdoors kills the eggs and prevents skin infestation.