Screwworm Fly vs Asian Lady Beetle (Harlequin)

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Screwworm Fly Asian Lady Beetle (Harlequin)
Scientific Name Cochliomyia hominivorax Harmonia yedoensis
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Calliphoridae Coccinellidae
Size 8-12 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Central America, South America, Caribbean East Asia, Japan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Screwworm Fly

A devastating parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals. It was eradicated from North America using the sterile insect technique.

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Did You Know?

The sterile male release program that eradicated it from the US is considered one of the greatest triumphs in pest control history.

Asian Lady Beetle (Harlequin)

A large ladybug native to Japan, closely related to the invasive Asian lady beetle. Found in forest canopies where it feeds on aphids. Distinguished by its slightly more elongated body shape.

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Did You Know?

Unlike its more famous relative Harmonia axyridis, this species has stayed in its native range and has not become a worldwide invasive pest.