Horse Fly vs Giant Western Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horse Fly | Giant Western Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tabanus bovinus | Holorusia hespera |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 20-25 mm | 35-45 mm body length |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Forests |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Western North America |
| 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.
Giant Western Crane Fly
North America's largest crane fly with a wingspan approaching 80 mm. It inhabits mossy stream banks in western mountain forests.
Did You Know?
It is the largest fly in North America and one of the largest true flies in the world.