Long-tailed Dance Fly vs Lesser Cattle Grub
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-tailed Dance Fly | Lesser Cattle Grub |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhamphomyia longicauda | Hypoderma lineatum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Empididae | Oestridae |
| Size | 5-8mm | 11-13 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Parasites |
| Regions | North America | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Long-tailed Dance Fly
A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.
Lesser Cattle Grub
A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.
Did You Know?
Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.