Horse Fly vs Roseate Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horse Fly | Roseate Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tabanus bovinus | Orthemis ferruginea |
| Order | Diptera | Odonata |
| Family | Tabanidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 20-25 mm | 45-53mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America, South 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.
Roseate Skimmer
A dragonfly where mature males develop a beautiful rosy-pink to violet abdomen. Females are brown with a pale dorsal stripe. It is common in tropical and subtropical wetlands.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few dragonflies in the world that turns genuinely pink, not red or orange.