Swallow Louse Fly vs Blue Mountains Glowworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swallow Louse Fly Blue Mountains Glowworm
Scientific Name Ornithomya avicularia Arachnocampa richardsae
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Hippoboscidae Mycetophilidae
Size 5-7 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Australia
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.

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Did You Know?

It can parasitize over 30 different bird species, making it one of the most host-generalist hippoboscid flies.

Blue Mountains Glowworm

An Australian bioluminescent fungus gnat closely related to the New Zealand glowworm. Its larvae hang from cave ceilings and rainforest overhangs, emitting a blue-green glow.

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Did You Know?

Different Arachnocampa species emit slightly different colors of light, from blue-green to green-yellow.