Blandford Fly vs Hellgrammite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blandford Fly Hellgrammite
Scientific Name Simulium posticatum Nigronia serricornis
Order Diptera Megaloptera
Family Simuliidae Corydalidae
Size 2-3 mm 40-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe Eastern North America
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.

Hellgrammite

A dark-colored dobsonfly whose larvae, known as hellgrammites, are prized as fishing bait. Adults are smaller than Corydalus and have serrated antennae.

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Did You Know?

Hellgrammite larvae are so effective as fishing bait that they are commercially collected and sold to anglers.