African Horse Fly vs Elderberry Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Horse Fly Elderberry Borer
Scientific Name Tabanus biguttatus Desmocerus palliatus
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Tabanidae Cerambycidae
Size 16-22 mm 18-26 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Eastern North America from Quebec to Florida
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Horse Fly

A large tropical horse fly that transmits animal trypanosomiasis in Africa. It is an important veterinary pest across sub-Saharan Africa.

💡

Did You Know?

It is a mechanical vector of surra and other trypanosome diseases in African livestock.

Elderberry Borer

A striking longhorn beetle with cobalt blue wing covers and a bright yellow-orange base. Its larvae develop inside the stems and roots of living elderberry shrubs.

💡

Did You Know?

Its vivid blue and yellow coloring is thought to mimic toxic net-winged beetles for protection from predators.