Horn Fly vs Small-headed Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Horn Fly Small-headed Fly
Scientific Name Haematobia irritans Ogcodes pallidipennis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Muscidae Acroceridae
Size 3-5 mm 4-8 mm
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Blood Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Worldwide Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Horn Fly

A small blood-feeding fly that spends almost its entire life on cattle. It clusters at the base of horns and along the back and belly.

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Did You Know?

Each fly feeds up to 40 times daily, and infestations of thousands per animal cause severe weight loss.

Small-headed Fly

A round-bodied fly with a tiny head whose larva parasitizes spiders from the inside.

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Did You Know?

The first-instar larva attaches to a passing spider and burrows inside to feed.