Deer Fly (Chrysops) vs Macrosoma lucivittata
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Deer Fly (Chrysops) | Macrosoma lucivittata |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysops silacea | Macrosoma lucivittata |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Hedylidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 32-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | West and Central Africa, Congo Basin | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Deer Fly (Chrysops)
A medium-sized fly with striking patterned wings and bright green eyes. It is the primary vector of Loa loa, the African eyeworm, in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. It bites during the day, especially around the forest canopy.
Did You Know?
The Loa loa worm it transmits can sometimes be seen migrating across the white of the eye, earning it the name 'African eyeworm'.
Macrosoma lucivittata
Moth-butterfly with pale wings bearing a translucent vitreous stripe. One of the more distinctive hedylid species.
Did You Know?
The glass-like wing stripe may function in crypsis by breaking up the wing outline at night.