Narrow-banded Hoverfly vs Ochraceum Black Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-banded Hoverfly | Ochraceum Black Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Meliscaeva auricollis | Simulium ochraceum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 1.5-3 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Mexico, Guatemala, southern Mexico, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Narrow-banded Hoverfly
A small hoverfly with narrow yellow crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is among the first hoverflies to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.
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.