Eye Gnat vs Old World Screwworm
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eye Gnat | Old World Screwworm |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Liohippelates pusio | Chrysomya bezziana |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chloropidae | Calliphoridae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean | Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia |
| 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.
Old World Screwworm
An obligate wound parasite of mammals found across Africa and Asia. Larvae invade wounds and feed on living tissue causing severe myiasis.
Did You Know?
Unlike the New World screwworm, no sterile insect program has yet successfully eradicated this species.