Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly vs Japanese Soldier Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly | Japanese Soldier Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Wohlfahrtia vigil | Ptecticus tenebrifer |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sarcophagidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Parasites | Scavengers |
| Regions | North America, especially northern United States and Canada | East Asia |
| 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.
Japanese Soldier Fly
A slender soldier fly with a metallic greenish-black body and elongate antennae. It is commonly found near decaying organic matter in gardens and forests across East Asia.
Did You Know?
Like the black soldier fly, species of Ptecticus are being studied as potential bioconversion agents for organic waste.