Horse Fly vs Congo Basin Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horse Fly | Congo Basin Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tabanus bovinus | Palpopleura lucia |
| Order | Diptera | Odonata |
| Family | Tabanidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 20-25 mm | 25-35 mm body length |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, DRC, Senegal, Ivory Coast) |
| 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.
Congo Basin Dragonfly
A small but strikingly colored dragonfly with a broad, flattened abdomen. Males are bright blue with black wing markings while females are yellow and brown. It is one of the most abundant dragonflies in West African wetlands.
Did You Know?
Males are highly territorial and will chase away any other dragonfly that enters their small waterside territory.