Dragonfly vs. Horsefly — What's the Difference?

Aerial insect known for its two pairs of strong, transparent wings.

Impacts livestock as well as humans, causing economic and health issues.

Insect undergoing incomplete metamorphosis.

Known for its biting behavior in females, which feed on blood.

Predator of small insects, contributing to ecological balance.

Undergoes a complete metamorphosis with terrestrial larvae.

Found predominantly near water due to aquatic larvae.

Larger than most flies, robust in form.

Characterized by an elongated body and large compound eyes.

Can be a vector for diseases due to its bloodsucking habits.

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, infraorder Anisoptera (from Greek ἄνισος anisos, "unequal" and πτερόν pteron, "wing", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body.

A stoutly built fly, the female of which is a bloodsucker and inflicts painful bites on horses, humans, and other large mammals.

Any of numerous predatory insects of the order Odonata, having large eyes, a long slender body, and two pairs of transparent veined wings, especially those of the order Anisoptera, which hold the wings outstretched when at rest, as distinguished from the damselflies. Also called regionally darner, darning needle, devil's darning needle, mosquito fly, mosquito hawk, needle, skeeter hawk, snake doctor, snake feeder, spindle.

Any of numerous large biting tabanid flies, the females of which feed on the blood of various mammals.

An insect of the suborder Epiprocta or, more strictly, the infraorder Anisoptera, having four long transparent wings held perpendicular to a long body when perched.

Any of several medium to large flies, of the family Tabanidae, that suck the blood of mammals (not to be confused with Stomoxys calcitrans, the stable fly, or dog fly).

Slender-bodied non-stinging insect having iridescent wings that are outspread at rest; adults and nymphs feed on mosquitoes etc.

Any dipterous fly of the family Tabanidæ, that stings horses, and sucks their blood.

The horse tick or forest fly (Hippobosca).

Winged fly parasitic on horses

Large swift fly the female of which sucks blood of various animals

Horseflies are larger, have a robust build, and the females are known for biting mammals to feed on their blood.

Yes, dragonflies are beneficial as they help control populations of harmful insects such as mosquitoes.

A dragonfly is an insect known for its swift flying and ability to prey on other insects.

Dragonflies lay their eggs in or near water, where the larvae develop before maturing into adults.

A horsefly bite is typically painful, may swell, and can sometimes cause allergic reactions.

Horseflies have a relatively short adult lifespan, focused primarily on reproduction and feeding.

Dragonflies serve as predators to smaller insects, helping maintain ecological balance.

Female horseflies bite to ingest blood, which is necessary for their eggs' development.

No, dragonflies do not bite or sting humans; they are harmless and beneficial.

Horseflies are attracted to movement and the carbon dioxide exhaled by mammals.

Horseflies lay their eggs in moist environments, often on vegetation near water or in wet soil.

Dragonflies are commonly found near bodies of water, as their larvae are aquatic.

Horseflies bite livestock, causing discomfort, stress, and in severe cases, can lead to decreased productivity.

Measures include using insect repellents, managing wetlands to reduce breeding sites, and using protective clothing.

Dragonflies have excellent vision thanks to their large compound eyes that cover most of their head.