Horse Fly vs Secondary Screwworm Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horse Fly | Secondary Screwworm Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tabanus bovinus | Cochliomyia macellaria |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Calliphoridae |
| Size | 20-25 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Horse Fly
A large, stout fly with huge iridescent compound eyes that display rainbow patterns. Only females bite, using scissor-like mouthparts to slash skin and lap up blood.
Did You Know?
Horse fly eyes display stunning iridescent bands of color created by structural interference patterns, and scientists have used their anti-reflective eye structure to design better solar panels.
Secondary Screwworm Fly
A blow fly that breeds in carrion and occasionally infests wounds in livestock. It is widely used in forensic studies in the Americas.
Did You Know?
Unlike the primary screwworm, it only feeds on dead tissue rather than living flesh.