Dimidiata Deer Fly vs Westwood's Leaf Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dimidiata Deer Fly Westwood's Leaf Insect
Scientific Name Chrysops dimidiata Cryptophyllium westwoodii
Order Diptera Phasmatodea
Family Tabanidae Phylliidae
Size 8-11 mm 8-10 cm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions West and Central Africa Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia
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.

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Did You Know?

Wood smoke fires in villages are used traditionally to repel this fly, which is strongly attracted to dark moving objects.

Westwood's Leaf Insect

A large leaf insect named after the entomologist John Obadiah Westwood. Females are broad and bright green, mimicking fresh leaves.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs are reddish-brown when they hatch, mimicking dead leaves before turning green as they mature.