Globular Tachinid vs Neavei Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globular Tachinid Neavei Black Fly
Scientific Name Gymnosoma rotundatum Simulium neavei
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tachinidae Simuliidae
Size 6-8 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Parasites Herbivores
Regions Europe East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Globular Tachinid

A distinctive round-bodied parasitic fly colored bright orange-red with black markings. Parasitizes shieldbugs. One of the most easily recognized tachinid flies.

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Did You Know?

The unusually round, bright orange body makes this one of the most recognizable parasitic flies.

Neavei Black Fly

A small black fly whose larvae uniquely attach to freshwater crabs rather than rocks or vegetation. It is a vector of river blindness in East Africa, particularly in forested areas. The association with crabs makes it vulnerable to control by removing the crab hosts.

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Did You Know?

Eliminating the freshwater crabs that carry its larvae successfully eradicated onchocerciasis from parts of East Africa.