Reindeer Warble Fly vs Black Carpet Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Reindeer Warble Fly | Black Carpet Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hypoderma tarandi | Attagenus unicolor |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Dermestidae |
| Size | 13-17 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Indoors |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada, Alaska | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Reindeer Warble Fly
A stout, furry fly that parasitizes reindeer and caribou. Females dart at reindeer to lay eggs on their legs. Larvae burrow through the skin and migrate through the body, creating warble lumps under the back skin.
Did You Know?
The buzzing of this fly causes reindeer to panic and stampede, and heavy infestations can reduce a reindeer's body weight by up to 25 percent.
Black Carpet Beetle
A small, oval, dark brown to black beetle that is a major pest of textiles and natural fibers. Larvae are covered in long brown hairs.
Did You Know?
Larvae can survive up to a year without feeding if conditions are dry.