Horse Fly vs Banana Stalk Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horse Fly | Banana Stalk Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tabanus bovinus | Telostylinus angusticollis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Neriidae |
| Size | 20-25 mm | 8-15 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Forests |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Horse Fly
A large, stout fly with huge iridescent compound eyes that display rainbow patterns. Only females bite, using scissor-like mouthparts to slash skin and lap up blood.
Did You Know?
Horse fly eyes display stunning iridescent bands of color created by structural interference patterns, and scientists have used their anti-reflective eye structure to design better solar panels.
Banana Stalk Fly
A slender long-legged fly from Australia whose body size depends on larval nutrition. Larger males pass on a size advantage to offspring even through a non-genetic pathway.
Did You Know?
Research on this species demonstrated transgenerational effects where paternal diet quality affected offspring body size without changes to DNA.