Dark Kissing Bug vs American Horse Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dark Kissing Bug | American Horse Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Panstrongylus megistus | Tabanus americanus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Diptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 26-34 mm | 20-28 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay | Eastern and central United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dark Kissing Bug
A large triatomine bug and important Chagas disease vector in Brazil. It has adapted to live in both sylvatic and domestic environments.
Did You Know?
It was the triatomine species Carlos Chagas used when he first discovered the disease that bears his name.
American Horse Fly
One of the largest horse flies in North America with a dark brown body and conspicuous green or purple iridescent eyes. Females deliver a painful slashing bite to obtain blood meals.
Did You Know?
Its knife-like mouthparts slice open skin rather than piercing it, which is why horse fly bites bleed so freely.