Striped Deer Fly vs Madagascan Moon Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Striped Deer Fly | Madagascan Moon Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysops vittatus | Argema mittrei male form |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 200 mm wingspan with 150 mm tails |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Madagascan Moon Moth
The male form has exceptionally long tail streamers that can exceed 15 cm. These tails spin in flight, confusing bat echolocation.
Did You Know?
The spinning tail streamers deflect bat attacks away from the moth's body.