About Buffalo Fly
A small blood-feeding fly closely related to the horn fly, found primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a major pest of cattle and water buffalo, clustering on the animal's back, sides, and belly. Heavy infestations cause skin lesions and reduced milk production.
Did You Know?
Buffalo flies cause annual economic losses exceeding 100 million dollars to the Australian cattle industry.
How to Identify Buffalo Fly
Buffalo Fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) belongs to the order Diptera, family Muscidae. Adults typically measure 3-4 mm.
Buffalo Fly Habitat
Buffalo Fly is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Buffalo Fly Diet and Feeding
Buffalo Fly is a blood-feeding species that obtains nutrients by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals. Blood feeders have specialised mouthparts adapted for piercing skin.
Where Is Buffalo Fly Found?
Buffalo Fly can be found in Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Buffalo Fly can be found
Is Buffalo Fly Dangerous?
Buffalo Fly is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals to obtain a blood meal. Bites can cause irritation, itching, and in some cases allergic reactions. Some blood-feeding insects are known to transmit diseases, so precautions should be taken to avoid bites.
Buffalo Fly Role in Nature
Buffalo Fly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Buffalo Fly are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Fly
What does Buffalo Fly look like?
The Buffalo Fly typically measures 3-4 mm.
Where is Buffalo Fly found?
The Buffalo Fly is found in Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Pacific Islands and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Buffalo Fly eat?
The Buffalo Fly feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals.
Is Buffalo Fly dangerous to humans?
The Buffalo Fly is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals. Some blood feeders can transmit diseases. Take precautions to avoid bites.
What is an interesting fact about Buffalo Fly?
Buffalo flies cause annual economic losses exceeding 100 million dollars to the Australian cattle industry.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Buffalo Fly (Haematobia irritans exigua). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/buffalo-fly
MLA:
"Buffalo Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/buffalo-fly.