Striped Deer Fly vs Eastern Net-Winged Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Striped Deer Fly Eastern Net-Winged Midge
Scientific Name Chrysops vittatus Blepharicera tenuipes
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tabanidae Blephariceridae
Size 8-11 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Striped Deer Fly

A small deer fly with distinctive dark bands across its wings and bright green and gold patterned eyes. Females are persistent biters that circle the head and shoulders of hosts.

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Did You Know?

Its compound eyes display iridescent green and gold zigzag patterns that fade to dull gray shortly after the fly dies.

Eastern Net-Winged Midge

A net-winged midge whose larvae cling to rocks in the fastest torrents using ventral suction discs. Adults have characteristically divided wings.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can maintain their grip on rocks in currents exceeding two meters per second using six suction cups.