Tapered Drone Fly vs Buffalo Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tapered Drone Fly | Buffalo Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis pertinax | Haematobia irritans exigua |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Muscidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tapered Drone Fly
A large hoverfly resembling a honeybee but distinguished by its yellow-tipped front tarsi. It is active from early spring to late autumn.
Did You Know?
It is one of the earliest hoverflies to appear in spring, sometimes flying on warm days in February.
Buffalo Fly
A small blood-feeding fly closely related to the horn fly, found primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a major pest of cattle and water buffalo, clustering on the animal's back, sides, and belly. Heavy infestations cause skin lesions and reduced milk production.
Did You Know?
Buffalo flies cause annual economic losses exceeding 100 million dollars to the Australian cattle industry.