Secondary Screwworm Fly vs South African Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Secondary Screwworm Fly South African Robber Fly
Scientific Name Cochliomyia macellaria Alcimus tristrigatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Calliphoridae Asilidae
Size 8-12 mm 18-26 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Carrion Feeders Predators
Regions North America, South America Southern Africa
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.

South African Robber Fly

A large, hairy robber fly endemic to southern Africa's fynbos and savanna. It perches conspicuously on shrubs while scanning for prey.

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Did You Know?

Southern Africa harbors one of the richest robber fly faunas in the world.