Fleshfly (Dux) vs Australian Web Spinner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fleshfly (Dux) Australian Web Spinner
Scientific Name Sarcophaga dux Metoligotoma reducta
Order Diptera Embioptera
Family Sarcophagidae Australembiidae
Size 10-16 mm 8.0-12.0 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Wood Feeders
Regions Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands, Australia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Fleshfly (Dux)

A large gray flesh fly common across tropical Asia and the Pacific that is an important cause of wound myiasis and secondary myiasis of the ear and nose. Females deposit live larvae directly into wounds and body cavities. It is frequently associated with unsanitary conditions in tropical urban areas.

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Did You Know?

Cases of aural myiasis caused by this fly, where larvae infest the ear canal, are regularly reported in tropical Asian hospitals.

Australian Web Spinner

An Australian web spinner found under eucalyptus bark in eastern Australia. It is endemic to the continent and belongs to a uniquely Australian family.

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Did You Know?

Australia has its own endemic family of web spinners found nowhere else on Earth.