Latrine Fly vs Buffalo Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Latrine Fly Buffalo Fly
Scientific Name Fannia scalaris Haematobia irritans exigua
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Fanniidae Muscidae
Size 5-7 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Wetlands Farmland
Diet Scavengers Blood Feeders
Regions Worldwide Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Latrine Fly

A small fly that breeds in excrement and decaying organic matter in latrines and drains. It can cause urogenital myiasis when larvae enter the urinary tract.

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Did You Know?

Its flattened, spiny larvae are among the few fly species documented to cause urinary myiasis in humans.

Buffalo Fly

A small blood-feeding fly closely related to the horn fly, found primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a major pest of cattle and water buffalo, clustering on the animal's back, sides, and belly. Heavy infestations cause skin lesions and reduced milk production.

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Did You Know?

Buffalo flies cause annual economic losses exceeding 100 million dollars to the Australian cattle industry.