Reindeer Warble Fly vs Rain Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Reindeer Warble Fly | Rain Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hypoderma tarandi | Haematopota crassicornis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 13-17 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada, Alaska | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Rain Fly
A medium-sized cleg with mottled grey wings and iridescent green eyes. It is most active in humid overcast weather before thunderstorms.
Did You Know?
Its activity increases dramatically before rainstorms, hence the common name 'rain fly'.