South American Robber Fly vs Lesser Cattle Grub
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Robber Fly | Lesser Cattle Grub |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Microstylum magnum | Hypoderma lineatum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 30-40 mm | 11-13 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Parasites |
| Regions | South America, Central America | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
South American Robber Fly
A large, elongate robber fly from tropical regions with a slender abdomen and long spiny legs. It hunts from exposed perches and can catch large prey relative to its body size.
Did You Know?
Some tropical Asilidae species are among the largest predatory flies in the world, rivaling small dragonflies in wingspan.
Lesser Cattle Grub
A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.
Did You Know?
Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.