Olive Fruit Fly vs Satellite Flesh Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Olive Fruit Fly Satellite Flesh Fly
Scientific Name Bactrocera oleae Sarcophaga africa
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tephritidae Sarcophagidae
Size 4-5 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Fruit Feeders Carrion Feeders
Regions Mediterranean, Middle East, California Africa, Asia, Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Olive Fruit Fly

A small fly that exclusively attacks olive fruits, causing billions in crop losses. Larvae tunnel through olive flesh, ruining fruit quality.

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Did You Know?

It is the single most damaging pest of olives and has plagued growers since ancient Roman times.

Satellite Flesh Fly

A tropical flesh fly that deposits larvae on carcasses and open wounds. It can cause myiasis in livestock and occasionally in humans.

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Did You Know?

It can complete its entire larval development in carrion in as little as four days in warm conditions.