Silvius Horse Fly vs Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Silvius Horse Fly | Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Silvius alpinus | Pantophthalmus bellardii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Pantophthalmidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 30-40 mm body length |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Central and Southern Europe | South America (Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Peru) |
| 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.
Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly
One of the largest flies in the world, with robust bodies reaching 40 mm and a wingspan exceeding 70 mm. The larvae develop inside rotting tree trunks. Adults resemble large bumblebees and are strong, buzzing fliers attracted to fermenting sap.
Did You Know?
It is among the largest flies on Earth, with larvae that bore through hardwood so effectively they were once thought to be beetle larvae.