Northern Black Fly vs Band-eyed Brown Horse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Black Fly Band-eyed Brown Horse Fly
Scientific Name Simulium venustum Tabanus bromius
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Simuliidae Tabanidae
Size 2-4 mm 13-17 mm
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Northern Black Fly

A common biting black fly of northern forests and boreal streams. Larvae form dense colonies on submerged rocks in cold flowing water.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect carbon dioxide exhaled by hosts from over 20 meters away.

Band-eyed Brown Horse Fly

A common European horse fly with distinctive banded eyes. It is one of the most frequent biters of cattle across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its compound eyes display brilliant iridescent bands that fade after death.