Downlooker Fly vs Dimidiata Deer Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Downlooker Fly Dimidiata Deer Fly
Scientific Name Rhagio tringarius Chrysops dimidiata
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Rhagionidae Tabanidae
Size 8-12mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Wetlands Forests
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions Europe West and Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Downlooker Fly

A slender predatory fly with spotted wings that perches head-downward on vegetation waiting for prey.

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Did You Know?

Always rests facing downward on stems and leaves, earning it the name downlooker or snipe fly.

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.