Bristly Tachinid Fly vs Rain Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bristly Tachinid Fly Rain Fly
Scientific Name Nowickia ferox Haematopota crassicornis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tachinidae Tabanidae
Size 12-16 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Nectar Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bristly Tachinid Fly

A large, heavily bristled tachinid fly with a gray-checkered pattern on the abdomen. It is conspicuously spiny and frequently visits flowers in late summer.

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Did You Know?

Its exceptionally long and stiff bristles are thought to help prevent birds from swallowing it.

Rain Fly

A medium-sized cleg with mottled grey wings and iridescent green eyes. It is most active in humid overcast weather before thunderstorms.

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Did You Know?

Its activity increases dramatically before rainstorms, hence the common name 'rain fly'.