Tumbu Fly vs Swede Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tumbu Fly Swede Midge
Scientific Name Cordylobia anthropophaga Contarinia nasturtii
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Calliphoridae Cecidomyiidae
Size 9-12 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Indoors Farmland
Diet Omnivores Gall Makers
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tumbu Fly

An African blow fly whose larvae cause furuncular myiasis in humans and animals. Females lay eggs on soil or clothing hung out to dry.

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Did You Know?

Ironing clothes thoroughly after drying them outdoors kills the eggs and prevents skin infestation.

Swede Midge

A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.

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Did You Know?

It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.