Australian Beefly Robber vs New Zealand Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Beefly Robber | New Zealand Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharotes coriarius | Austrosimulium ungulatum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Asilidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | New Zealand, especially South Island |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Australian Beefly Robber
Australia's largest robber fly, heavily built with a dense covering of dark hair. It is a powerful predator capable of taking large beetles.
Did You Know?
It is so large and powerful that it has been observed catching and eating cicadas.
New Zealand Sandfly
A small black fly endemic to New Zealand that inflicts painful bites, particularly notorious in the South Island's West Coast and Fiordland regions. Despite being called sandflies locally, they are actually black flies in the family Simuliidae. They breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams.
Did You Know?
Maori legend says the sandfly was created by the goddess Hine-nui-te-po to prevent humans from lingering too long in the beautiful Fiordlands.