Blandford Fly vs Japanese Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blandford Fly Japanese Antlion
Scientific Name Simulium posticatum Hagenomyia micans
Order Diptera Neuroptera
Family Simuliidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 2-3 mm 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Japan, Korea, Eastern China
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.

Japanese Antlion

A large East Asian antlion with glossy wings and a robust body. A familiar summer insect across Japan attracted to artificial lights.

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Did You Know?

In Japanese folklore, antlion larvae are called 'arijigoku' meaning 'ant hell.'