Seven-Spot Ladybird vs Secondary Screwworm Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Seven-Spot Ladybird Secondary Screwworm Fly
Scientific Name Coccinella septempunctata Cochliomyia macellaria
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Coccinellidae Calliphoridae
Size 5-8 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Predators Carrion Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America North America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Seven-Spot Ladybird

The most common ladybird in Europe. Its bright red coloring with seven black spots warns predators of its bitter taste. A voracious predator of aphids.

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Did You Know?

A single seven-spot ladybird can eat over 5,000 aphids in its lifetime, making it one of the most effective biological pest controllers.

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.