Iron Blue Dun vs New Zealand Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Iron Blue Dun | New Zealand Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Baetis muticus | Austrosimulium ungulatum |
| Order | Ephemeroptera | Diptera |
| Family | Baetidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | New Zealand, especially South Island |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Iron Blue Dun
A small dark mayfly that hatches prolifically on cool overcast days. Nymphs are found clinging to stones in moderate to fast current.
Did You Know?
Hatches are most prolific during rain and cold snaps, making it a favorite species for wet-weather anglers.
New Zealand Sandfly
A small black fly endemic to New Zealand that inflicts painful bites, particularly notorious in the South Island's West Coast and Fiordland regions. Despite being called sandflies locally, they are actually black flies in the family Simuliidae. They breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams.
Did You Know?
Maori legend says the sandfly was created by the goddess Hine-nui-te-po to prevent humans from lingering too long in the beautiful Fiordlands.