Semaphore Fly vs Warble Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Semaphore Fly | Warble Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilobothrus nobilitatus | Hypoderma bovis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Dolichopodidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 13-15 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Semaphore Fly
A tiny metallic green fly where males have conspicuous white-tipped wings used in semaphore-like courtship displays. It is extremely common around garden ponds and puddles.
Did You Know?
Males stand on mud and wave their white-tipped wings like semaphore flags to attract females watching nearby.
Warble Fly
A large, hairy bee-like fly whose larvae migrate through the bodies of cattle for months before emerging from cysts in the back. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and cannot feed.
Did You Know?
The buzzing of a single warble fly approaching can cause an entire herd of cattle to stampede in panic, a behavior called gadding.