Giant Salmonfly vs Ochraceum Black Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Salmonfly | Ochraceum Black Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pteronarcys princeps | Simulium ochraceum |
| Order | Plecoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Pteronarcyidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 35-50 mm | 1.5-3 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Detritivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Mexico, Guatemala, southern Mexico, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Salmonfly
A massive stonefly of western mountain rivers with a three-year nymphal life cycle. Nymphs feed on decomposing leaf material in cold streams.
Did You Know?
Adults are among the largest flying insects in North America and can barely sustain flight due to their weight.
Ochraceum Black Fly
A small orangish-brown black fly that is the principal vector of onchocerciasis in Central America and southern Mexico. It breeds in small, fast-running mountain streams. Biting activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon in coffee-growing regions.
Did You Know?
The Americas are close to eliminating onchocerciasis thanks to mass ivermectin distribution targeting this vector's parasite.