Eye Gnat vs Tsetse Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eye Gnat | Tsetse Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Liohippelates pusio | Glossina morsitans |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chloropidae | Glossinidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 8-17 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean | Africa |
| 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.
Tsetse Fly
Vector of African sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis). Unlike most flies, females give live birth to a single large larva. Both sexes are obligate blood-feeders.
Did You Know?
The tsetse fly is unique among insects — it gives birth to live young. The female nourishes a single larva internally with a milk-like substance, similar to mammalian lactation.