Autumn Horse Fly vs South African Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Autumn Horse Fly South African Robber Fly
Scientific Name Tabanus autumnalis Alcimus tristrigatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tabanidae Asilidae
Size 16-22 mm 18-26 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, North Africa, Western Asia Southern Africa
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.

South African Robber Fly

A large, hairy robber fly endemic to southern Africa's fynbos and savanna. It perches conspicuously on shrubs while scanning for prey.

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Did You Know?

Southern Africa harbors one of the richest robber fly faunas in the world.