Face Fly vs Eye Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Face Fly | Eye Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Musca autumnalis | Liohippelates pusio |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Muscidae | Chloropidae |
| Size | 7-8 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Face Fly
A non-biting muscid fly that feeds on secretions around the eyes and nose of cattle. It is a mechanical vector of the cattle pinkeye pathogen Moraxella bovis.
Did You Know?
It enters homes in large numbers each autumn to overwinter, hence the name autumnalis.
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.