Indian Web Spinner vs Swallow Louse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Web Spinner Swallow Louse Fly
Scientific Name Oligotoma saundersii Ornithomya avicularia
Order Embioptera Diptera
Family Oligotomidae Hippoboscidae
Size 8.0-12.0 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Asia, North America, Africa, Oceania Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Indian Web Spinner

A cosmopolitan web spinner originally from South Asia, now found in warm regions worldwide. It commonly inhabits cracks in walls and under debris.

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Did You Know?

This species has spread across the globe through human trade and is now the most widely distributed web spinner.

Swallow Louse Fly

A flattened, brownish winged louse fly that parasitizes a wide range of bird species. It moves rapidly through feathers using its laterally compressed body and strong tarsal claws.

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Did You Know?

It can parasitize over 30 different bird species, making it one of the most host-generalist hippoboscid flies.