Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly vs Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
Scientific Name Wohlfahrtia vigil Oryctes rhinoceros
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Sarcophagidae Dynastidae
Size 10-14 mm 35-50 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Parasites Sap Feeders
Regions North America, especially northern United States and Canada India, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

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Did You Know?

It preferentially attacks the young of furbearing animals, causing significant losses on mink and fox fur farms in North America.

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

A major pest of coconut palms across tropical Asia with a single prominent horn. Adults bore into the crown of palms, causing severe damage to fronds.

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Did You Know?

A biological control virus called Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus has been successfully used to manage this pest.