Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly vs African Horse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly African Horse Fly
Scientific Name Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis Tabanus biguttatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Mydidae Tabanidae
Size 2.5-3.5 cm 16-22 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions United States Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

A large flower fly endemic to the Delhi Sands area of San Bernardino County, California. It was the first fly to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

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Did You Know?

Listing this fly in 1993 caused controversy when it delayed construction of a hospital in its habitat.

African Horse Fly

A large tropical horse fly that transmits animal trypanosomiasis in Africa. It is an important veterinary pest across sub-Saharan Africa.

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Did You Know?

It is a mechanical vector of surra and other trypanosome diseases in African livestock.