Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly vs African Bat Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly | African Bat Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Wohlfahrtia vigil | Afrocimex constrictus |
| Order | Diptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Sarcophagidae | Cimicidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Caves |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | North America, especially northern United States and Canada | East Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly
A large flesh fly found in North America that causes obligate dermal myiasis in small animals including rabbits, mink, and fox kits on fur farms. Females deposit active larvae on the unbroken skin of young animals, and larvae burrow into subcutaneous tissue. Human cases are rare but documented in infants.
Did You Know?
It preferentially attacks the young of furbearing animals, causing significant losses on mink and fox fur farms in North America.
African Bat Bug
A cimicid ectoparasite found on bats in East African caves. It is notable for its unusual mating system involving traumatic insemination.
Did You Know?
Both males and females possess a defensive organ to mitigate injury from traumatic insemination.