Pied Hoverfly vs Buffalo Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pied Hoverfly | Buffalo Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scaeva pyrastri | Haematobia irritans exigua |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Muscidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pied Hoverfly
A large, elegant hoverfly with white crescent-shaped markings on a dark abdomen. It is a strong migrant and beneficial aphid predator.
Did You Know?
Its white crescent markings distinguish it from nearly all other European hoverflies at a glance.
Buffalo Fly
A small blood-feeding fly closely related to the horn fly, found primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a major pest of cattle and water buffalo, clustering on the animal's back, sides, and belly. Heavy infestations cause skin lesions and reduced milk production.
Did You Know?
Buffalo flies cause annual economic losses exceeding 100 million dollars to the Australian cattle industry.