Turkey Gnat vs South American Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Turkey Gnat | South American Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Simulium meridionale | Microstylum magnum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 30-40 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | North America | South America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Turkey Gnat
A black fly notorious for swarming livestock in the southern United States. Larvae attach to rocks in swift streams using silken pads and posterior hooks.
Did You Know?
Massive swarms historically caused turkey and livestock deaths in the Mississippi Valley through blood loss and allergic reactions.
South American Robber Fly
A large, elongate robber fly from tropical regions with a slender abdomen and long spiny legs. It hunts from exposed perches and can catch large prey relative to its body size.
Did You Know?
Some tropical Asilidae species are among the largest predatory flies in the world, rivaling small dragonflies in wingspan.