Deer Fly (Chrysops) vs Primitive Silverfish
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Deer Fly (Chrysops) | Primitive Silverfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysops silacea | Tricholepidion gertschi |
| Order | Diptera | Zygentoma |
| Family | Tabanidae | Lepidotrichidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | West and Central Africa, Congo Basin | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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'.
Primitive Silverfish
The most primitive living silverfish, restricted to old-growth forests of northern California. It retains compound eyes and other ancestral features.
Did You Know?
It is considered a living fossil and the sole surviving member of its family.