Silvius Horse Fly vs Montane Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silvius Horse Fly Montane Crane Fly
Scientific Name Silvius alpinus Tipula montana
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tabanidae Tipulidae
Size 8-11 mm 12-18 mm body length
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Central and Southern Europe Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silvius Horse Fly

A small brownish horse fly found in mountain forests and alpine meadows. It is one of the few horse flies adapted to high-altitude habitats.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the few horse fly species that thrives at altitudes above 1500 meters.

Montane Crane Fly

A common crane fly in mountain forests and adjacent meadows. Larvae develop in damp forest soils rich in decaying leaves.

💡

Did You Know?

Adults live only a few days, just long enough to mate and lay eggs.