Striped Deer Fly vs Horse Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Striped Deer Fly | Horse Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysops vittatus | Tabanus bovinus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 20-25 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Wetlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its compound eyes display iridescent green and gold zigzag patterns that fade to dull gray shortly after the fly dies.
Horse Fly
A large, stout fly with huge iridescent compound eyes that display rainbow patterns. Only females bite, using scissor-like mouthparts to slash skin and lap up blood.
Did You Know?
Horse fly eyes display stunning iridescent bands of color created by structural interference patterns, and scientists have used their anti-reflective eye structure to design better solar panels.