Autumn Horse Fly vs Biting Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Autumn Horse Fly Biting Midge
Scientific Name Tabanus autumnalis Culicoides impunctatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tabanidae Ceratopogonidae
Size 16-22 mm 1-3 mm
Habitat Heathland Indoors
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa, Western Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Autumn Horse Fly

A large greyish horse fly active in late summer and autumn. It has striking green-banded eyes and a persistent biting habit.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few horse fly species that remains active well into October.

Biting Midge

A tiny, gray, blood-sucking fly notorious in Scotland and Scandinavia as the Highland midge. Swarms can be so dense they form visible clouds and drive people indoors.

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Did You Know?

Highland midges are estimated to cost the Scottish tourism industry over 300 million pounds annually and were reportedly a factor in slowing the construction of the West Highland Railway.