Deer Fly (Chrysops) vs Tenerife Speckled Wood Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Deer Fly (Chrysops) | Tenerife Speckled Wood Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysops silacea | Pararge xiphioides |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | West and Central Africa, Congo Basin | Canary Islands |
| 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'.
Tenerife Speckled Wood Butterfly
A brown butterfly with orange eyespot patches endemic to the western Canary Islands. It flies in shaded laurel forest clearings.
Did You Know?
Males defend sun patches on the forest floor, chasing away any intruding butterflies.