Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly vs Mount Cook Giant Weta

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly Mount Cook Giant Weta
Scientific Name Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis Deinacrida pluvialis
Order Diptera Orthoptera
Family Mydidae Anostostomatidae
Size 2.5-3.5 cm 45-65 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Mountains
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions United States Oceania (New Zealand - South Island, Westland)
Conservation Endangered Endangered

Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly

A large flower fly endemic to the Delhi Sands area of San Bernardino County, California. It was the first fly to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

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Did You Know?

Listing this fly in 1993 caused controversy when it delayed construction of a hospital in its habitat.

Mount Cook Giant Weta

A rare alpine giant weta restricted to high-altitude zones in the western ranges of the South Island. It inhabits subalpine scrub and tussock. Like other alpine weta, it has evolved remarkable freeze tolerance.

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Did You Know?

Despite its common name, this weta is more commonly found in the mountain ranges of Westland rather than near Aoraki/Mount Cook itself.