Demon Charaxes vs Neavei Black Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Demon Charaxes | Neavei Black Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Charaxes lucretius | Simulium neavei |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 70-90 mm wingspan | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC) | East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Demon Charaxes
A large forest Charaxes with deep black upperside marked with blue iridescence in males. Females are larger and browner. The underside has intricate leaf-like patterning providing excellent camouflage.
Did You Know?
When resting with wings closed, this butterfly is almost invisible against the bark of forest trees thanks to its cryptic underside.
Neavei Black Fly
A small black fly whose larvae uniquely attach to freshwater crabs rather than rocks or vegetation. It is a vector of river blindness in East Africa, particularly in forested areas. The association with crabs makes it vulnerable to control by removing the crab hosts.
Did You Know?
Eliminating the freshwater crabs that carry its larvae successfully eradicated onchocerciasis from parts of East Africa.