Brevipalpis Tsetse Fly vs South African Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brevipalpis Tsetse Fly South African Robber Fly
Scientific Name Glossina brevipalpis Alcimus tristrigatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Glossinidae Asilidae
Size 12-16 mm 18-26 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Heathland
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions East Africa (Kenya coast, Tanzania, Uganda) Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brevipalpis Tsetse Fly

The largest species of tsetse fly, with a robust body and short palps from which its name derives. It inhabits thicket and coastal bush habitats.

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Did You Know?

Despite its large size, it is a relatively weak vector of trypanosomiasis compared to other tsetse species.

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.