Warble Fly vs Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Warble Fly Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Hypoderma bovis Scarabaeus sacer
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Oestridae Scarabaeidae
Size 13-15 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Predators Dung Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Africa, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Warble Fly

A large, hairy bee-like fly whose larvae migrate through the bodies of cattle for months before emerging from cysts in the back. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and cannot feed.

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Did You Know?

The buzzing of a single warble fly approaching can cause an entire herd of cattle to stampede in panic, a behavior called gadding.

Dung Beetle

Sacred to ancient Egyptians who associated them with the sun god Ra. They roll balls of dung for food and breeding. Navigate using the Milky Way.

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Did You Know?

Dung beetles are the only known animals to navigate using the Milky Way — they use the band of light to roll their dung balls in a straight line.