Swallow Louse Fly vs Arctic Louse Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swallow Louse Fly | Arctic Louse Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithomya avicularia | Ornithomya fringillina |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae | Hippoboscidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Swallow Louse Fly
A flattened, brownish winged louse fly that parasitizes a wide range of bird species. It moves rapidly through feathers using its laterally compressed body and strong tarsal claws.
Did You Know?
It can parasitize over 30 different bird species, making it one of the most host-generalist hippoboscid flies.
Arctic Louse Fly
A flattened, wingless or short-winged parasitic fly that lives among the feathers of Arctic birds. Its laterally flattened body allows it to move easily through plumage. Adults have strong claws for gripping feathers.
Did You Know?
These flies can survive being transported thousands of kilometers on migratory birds from the Arctic to their wintering grounds.