Tsetse Fly (Forest) vs Owl Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tsetse Fly (Forest) | Owl Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Glossina palpalis | Clogmia albipunctata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Glossinidae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 2-5 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Africa | Cosmopolitan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tsetse Fly (Forest)
A major vector of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Unique among flies for giving live birth to a single large larva nourished internally with a milk-like substance.
Did You Know?
The tsetse fly nourishes its single developing larva with a milk gland — this is the closest any insect comes to mammalian lactation and pregnancy.
Owl Midge
A small fuzzy moth-like fly found in bathrooms and drains worldwide. Its larvae feed on gelatinous films of bacteria inside drainage pipes.
Did You Know?
Despite living in unsanitary conditions, it is not known to transmit any diseases to humans.