Dimidiata Deer Fly vs Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dimidiata Deer Fly | Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysops dimidiata | Pantophthalmus bellardii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Pantophthalmidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 30-40 mm body length |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | West and Central Africa | South America (Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Peru) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dimidiata Deer Fly
A medium-sized deer fly with distinctly banded wings, found in West African rainforests. It serves as a secondary vector of Loa loa alongside C. silacea. Larvae develop in muddy swamp soils near forest streams.
Did You Know?
Wood smoke fires in villages are used traditionally to repel this fly, which is strongly attracted to dark moving objects.
Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly
One of the largest flies in the world, with robust bodies reaching 40 mm and a wingspan exceeding 70 mm. The larvae develop inside rotting tree trunks. Adults resemble large bumblebees and are strong, buzzing fliers attracted to fermenting sap.
Did You Know?
It is among the largest flies on Earth, with larvae that bore through hardwood so effectively they were once thought to be beetle larvae.