Banana Stalk Fly vs Autumn Horse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banana Stalk Fly Autumn Horse Fly
Scientific Name Telostylinus angusticollis Tabanus autumnalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Neriidae Tabanidae
Size 8-15 mm 16-22 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Wood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Oceania Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banana Stalk Fly

A slender long-legged fly from Australia whose body size depends on larval nutrition. Larger males pass on a size advantage to offspring even through a non-genetic pathway.

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Did You Know?

Research on this species demonstrated transgenerational effects where paternal diet quality affected offspring body size without changes to DNA.

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.