Subarctic Flesh Fly vs Face Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Subarctic Flesh Fly | Face Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sarcophaga nigriventris | Musca autumnalis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sarcophagidae | Muscidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 7-8 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Subarctic Flesh Fly
A medium-sized gray fly with black longitudinal stripes on the thorax and a checkered abdomen. Unlike most flies, females give birth to live larvae rather than laying eggs. Adults are found on carrion and dung.
Did You Know?
By giving birth to live larvae that are ready to feed immediately, this fly gives its offspring a head start in the short Arctic summer.
Face Fly
A non-biting muscid fly that feeds on secretions around the eyes and nose of cattle. It is a mechanical vector of the cattle pinkeye pathogen Moraxella bovis.
Did You Know?
It enters homes in large numbers each autumn to overwinter, hence the name autumnalis.