Golden-belted Tachinid vs Ochraceum Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden-belted Tachinid Ochraceum Black Fly
Scientific Name Ectophasia crassipennis Simulium ochraceum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tachinidae Simuliidae
Size 6-10 mm 1.5-3 mm
Habitat Underground Mountains
Diet Parasites Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Mexico, Guatemala, southern Mexico, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Golden-belted Tachinid

A colorful parasitic fly with golden-yellow markings and dark wing patches. Parasitizes shieldbugs and stink bugs. Often seen on umbellifer flowers.

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Did You Know?

The conspicuous wing markings may be involved in mating displays among the otherwise cryptic tachinid flies.

Ochraceum Black Fly

A small orangish-brown black fly that is the principal vector of onchocerciasis in Central America and southern Mexico. It breeds in small, fast-running mountain streams. Biting activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon in coffee-growing regions.

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Did You Know?

The Americas are close to eliminating onchocerciasis thanks to mass ivermectin distribution targeting this vector's parasite.