Hessian Fly vs Green Metallic Tunneler
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hessian Fly | Green Metallic Tunneler |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mayetiola destructor | Onitis alexis |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cecidomyiidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 14-22 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Cosmopolitan - originally Eurasia, now worldwide | Africa, introduced to Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hessian Fly
A tiny dark gall midge that is one of the most destructive pests of wheat and barley worldwide. Adults resemble small dark mosquitoes and live for only a few days.
Did You Know?
Named after Hessian soldiers in the American Revolution who supposedly brought it to North America in straw bedding.
Green Metallic Tunneler
A medium-sized tunneling dung beetle with a metallic green pronotum and dark brown elytra. Males have an enlarged prothorax. It constructs vertical tunnels beneath cattle dung and is nocturnal.
Did You Know?
Introduced to Australia in the 1980s, this species was specifically targeted for its ability to handle cattle dung in tropical climates.