Zodion Thick-headed Fly vs Horn Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zodion Thick-headed Fly Horn Fly
Scientific Name Zodion cinereum Haematobia irritans
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Conopidae Muscidae
Size 5-8 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Zodion Thick-headed Fly

A small, grayish-brown conopid fly with a slightly swollen head and prominent proboscis. It is commonly found on flowers where it stalks small bees and wasps for parasitism.

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Did You Know?

Unlike larger conopids that tackle bumblebees, this species specializes in parasitizing smaller sweat bees and halictids.

Horn Fly

A small blood-feeding fly that spends almost its entire life on cattle. It clusters at the base of horns and along the back and belly.

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Did You Know?

Each fly feeds up to 40 times daily, and infestations of thousands per animal cause severe weight loss.