Eye Gnat vs Deer Bot Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eye Gnat Deer Bot Fly
Scientific Name Liohippelates pusio Cephenemyia stimulator
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Chloropidae Oestridae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 12-15 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasites
Regions Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean Europe
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.

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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.

Deer Bot Fly

A parasitic fly that deposits larvae in the nostrils of roe deer. The larvae develop in the pharyngeal region before being sneezed out.

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Did You Know?

Once erroneously claimed to fly at over 1,300 km/h, making it a famous example of scientific exaggeration.