Small-headed Fly vs Notch-horned Cleg

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small-headed Fly Notch-horned Cleg
Scientific Name Ogcodes pallidipennis Haematopota pluvialis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Acroceridae Tabanidae
Size 4-8 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Grasslands Hedgerows
Diet Parasitoids Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small-headed Fly

A round-bodied fly with a tiny head whose larva parasitizes spiders from the inside.

💡

Did You Know?

The first-instar larva attaches to a passing spider and burrows inside to feed.

Notch-horned Cleg

A grey horse fly with mottled wings that approaches silently before biting. It is one of the most common biting flies in Europe.

💡

Did You Know?

Unlike most horse flies, the cleg approaches completely silently, landing and biting before being noticed.