Screwworm Fly vs Rough-collared Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Screwworm Fly Rough-collared Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Cochliomyia hominivorax Helictopleurus rudicollis
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Calliphoridae Scarabaeidae
Size 8-12 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Central America, South America, Caribbean Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

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.

Rough-collared Dung Beetle

An exclusively forest-dwelling dung beetle with a rough, heavily punctured pronotum that gives it its name. It is dark brown to black with a compact, dome-shaped body.

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Did You Know?

It has never been found outside intact forest, making it an indicator species for forest health in Madagascar.