Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly vs Common Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly | Common Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Wohlfahrtia vigil | Tipula oleracea |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sarcophagidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 15-25 mm body length |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasites | Root Feeders |
| Regions | North America, especially northern United States and Canada | Throughout North America, originally from Europe |
| 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.
Common Crane Fly
A large gray-brown crane fly with extremely long fragile legs that often enters homes in autumn. Its larvae, called leatherjackets, are common turf pests.
Did You Know?
Despite being frequently mistaken for giant mosquitoes, crane flies cannot bite and most adults never eat at all.