Secondary Screwworm Fly vs Narrow-banded Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Secondary Screwworm Fly Narrow-banded Hoverfly
Scientific Name Cochliomyia macellaria Meliscaeva auricollis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Calliphoridae Syrphidae
Size 8-12 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Carrion Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions North America, South America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Secondary Screwworm Fly

A blow fly that breeds in carrion and occasionally infests wounds in livestock. It is widely used in forensic studies in the Americas.

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Did You Know?

Unlike the primary screwworm, it only feeds on dead tissue rather than living flesh.

Narrow-banded Hoverfly

A small hoverfly with narrow yellow crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is among the first hoverflies to appear in spring.

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Did You Know?

Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.