Blandford Fly vs African Map Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blandford Fly African Map Butterfly
Scientific Name Simulium posticatum Cyrestis camillus
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Simuliidae Nymphalidae
Size 2-3 mm 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blandford Fly

A notorious black fly that causes severe allergic reactions with its bite around the Blandford area of Dorset. Females need blood meals for egg development. Larvae develop in clean rivers.

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Did You Know?

Named after Blandford Forum in Dorset where outbreaks of painful bites affect thousands of people each summer.

African Map Butterfly

A delicate white butterfly with fine dark lines across its wings resembling a map or circuit board. It rests with wings spread flat on leaves.

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Did You Know?

Its translucent white wings and fine line pattern make it almost invisible when it rests on pale bark or lichen.