Eye Gnat vs Common House Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eye Gnat | Common House Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Liohippelates pusio | Musca domestica |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chloropidae | Muscidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eye Gnat
A tiny, shiny black fly attracted to eye and wound secretions of humans and animals. It is a suspected mechanical vector of bacterial conjunctivitis and yaws in tropical regions. Its persistent swarming around the face makes it an extremely annoying pest in agricultural areas.
Did You Know?
These flies are so strongly attracted to eye secretions that they will persistently return to a person's face even after being brushed away dozens of times.
Common House Fly
One of the most widely distributed insects on Earth. Can taste with their feet, which have chemoreceptors. Capable of rapid reproduction with complete lifecycle in 7-10 days.
Did You Know?
House flies taste with their feet — they have over 100 taste receptors on each foot and can detect sugar just by landing on a surface.