Horn-faced Marsh Fly vs African Horse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Horn-faced Marsh Fly African Horse Fly
Scientific Name Dictya umbrarum Tabanus biguttatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Sciomyzidae Tabanidae
Size 4-7 mm 16-22 mm
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Blood Feeders
Regions North America Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Horn-faced Marsh Fly

A small yellowish marsh fly with patterned wings and prominent facial ridges. Larvae feed on decomposing aquatic snails in shallow wetland habitats.

💡

Did You Know?

Sciomyzid flies are the only family of Diptera in which the larvae are obligate associates of mollusks.

African Horse Fly

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

💡

Did You Know?

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