Ochraceum Black Fly vs Oriental Fruit Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ochraceum Black Fly Oriental Fruit Fly
Scientific Name Simulium ochraceum Bactrocera dorsalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Simuliidae Tephritidae
Size 1.5-3 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Mountains Farmland
Diet Blood Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Mexico, Guatemala, southern Mexico, Central America Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ochraceum Black Fly

A small orangish-brown black fly that is the principal vector of onchocerciasis in Central America and southern Mexico. It breeds in small, fast-running mountain streams. Biting activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon in coffee-growing regions.

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Did You Know?

The Americas are close to eliminating onchocerciasis thanks to mass ivermectin distribution targeting this vector's parasite.

Oriental Fruit Fly

A highly polyphagous tropical fruit fly attacking over 400 host plant species. It is one of the most economically damaging invasive insects worldwide.

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Did You Know?

It attacks more host plant species than any other fruit fly, with over 400 recorded hosts.