Warble Fly vs Large Spring Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Warble Fly Large Spring Stonefly
Scientific Name Hypoderma bovis Dinocras cephalotes
Order Diptera Plecoptera
Family Oestridae Perlidae
Size 13-15 mm 20-35 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Europe
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.

Large Spring Stonefly

One of the largest European stoneflies with a distinctively broad, flattened head. Nymphs are apex invertebrate predators in upland streams.

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Did You Know?

Despite their large wings, adults are poor fliers and prefer to run along streamside rocks.