Autumn Horse Fly vs Velvet Tree Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Autumn Horse Fly Velvet Tree Ant
Scientific Name Tabanus autumnalis Liometopum occidentale
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Tabanidae Formicidae
Size 16-22 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, North Africa, Western Asia North America
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.

Velvet Tree Ant

A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.

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Did You Know?

Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.