Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura) vs Notch-horned Cleg

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura) Notch-horned Cleg
Scientific Name Drosophila heteroneura Haematopota pluvialis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Drosophilidae Tabanidae
Size 5-7 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Forests Hedgerows
Diet Wood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Oceania (Hawaii - Big Island) Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura)

A remarkable Hawaiian picture-wing fly famous for its hammer-shaped head, found only on Hawaii Island. Males use their broad, flattened heads in head-butting contests for mating rights. It breeds in decaying Clermontia bark.

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Did You Know?

Males have uniquely hammer-shaped heads that they use as battering rams, headbutting rival males in combat over territory and mates.

Notch-horned Cleg

A grey horse fly with mottled wings that approaches silently before biting. It is one of the most common biting flies in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most horse flies, the cleg approaches completely silently, landing and biting before being noticed.