Screwworm Fly vs Tundra Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Screwworm Fly Tundra Robber Fly
Scientific Name Cochliomyia hominivorax Rhadiurgus variabilis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Calliphoridae Asilidae
Size 8-12 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Forests Beaches & Coastal
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Central America, South America, Caribbean Scandinavia, Finland, Scotland, northern Russia
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.

Tundra Robber Fly

A medium-sized robber fly with a dark body and distinctive bristly face. It is an aerial predator that ambushes other flying insects from perches on rocks and low vegetation. Adults have powerful grasping legs.

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Did You Know?

This robber fly catches prey in midair and injects digestive enzymes to liquefy the insect's insides before drinking them.