Striped Deer Fly vs White Miller Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Striped Deer Fly White Miller Mayfly
Scientific Name Chrysops vittatus Ephoron virgo
Order Diptera Ephemeroptera
Family Tabanidae Polymitarcyidae
Size 8-11 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States Europe, Western 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.

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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.

White Miller Mayfly

A white-bodied European mayfly that emerges in enormous synchronized swarms at dusk. Females are unique among mayflies in that they moult directly into the spinner stage.

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Did You Know?

Swarms at bridges and streetlights can be so thick they cause traffic hazards.