Aquatic Crane Fly vs Dark Giant Horse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aquatic Crane Fly Dark Giant Horse Fly
Scientific Name Antocha saxicola Tabanus sudeticus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Limoniidae Tabanidae
Size 5-8 mm 22-28 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions North America Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Aquatic Crane Fly

A small crane fly whose larvae build silken cases on submerged rocks in fast-flowing streams. Larvae are true aquatic inhabitants rather than semi-terrestrial.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are among the few crane flies that are fully aquatic throughout development, never leaving the water.

Dark Giant Horse Fly

The largest horse fly in the British Isles, dark brown with a robust build. Females deliver an extremely painful bite to livestock and humans.

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Did You Know?

Its bite is considered the most painful of any European fly species.