Screwworm Fly vs Sunflower Maggot Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Screwworm Fly Sunflower Maggot Fly
Scientific Name Cochliomyia hominivorax Strauzia longipennis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Calliphoridae Tephritidae
Size 8-12 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Blood Feeders Leaf Miners
Regions Central America, South America, Caribbean North America
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.

Sunflower Maggot Fly

A picture-winged fruit fly whose larvae mine the stems of sunflowers. Adults have attractive amber-patterned wings.

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Did You Know?

Despite being common, it rarely causes economic damage to commercial sunflower crops.