Ozark Stiletto Fly vs American Horse Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ozark Stiletto Fly | American Horse Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thereva frontalis | Tabanus americanus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Therevidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 20-28 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Eastern and central United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ozark Stiletto Fly
A medium-sized stiletto fly with a grayish body covered in fine pale hairs and clear wings. It is commonly found resting on sunlit surfaces in open woodlands.
Did You Know?
The larvae have a unique ability to move rapidly through loose sand using undulating body movements.
American Horse Fly
One of the largest horse flies in North America with a dark brown body and conspicuous green or purple iridescent eyes. Females deliver a painful slashing bite to obtain blood meals.
Did You Know?
Its knife-like mouthparts slice open skin rather than piercing it, which is why horse fly bites bleed so freely.