Neavei Black Fly vs Australian Giant Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neavei Black Fly Australian Giant Mayfly
Scientific Name Simulium neavei Atalophlebia australis
Order Diptera Ephemeroptera
Family Simuliidae Leptophlebiidae
Size 2-3 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Eliminating the freshwater crabs that carry its larvae successfully eradicated onchocerciasis from parts of East Africa.

Australian Giant Mayfly

One of the largest Australian mayflies, found in clean streams of southeastern Australia. Nymphs have feathery gills along their abdomens.

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Did You Know?

It belongs to the most species-rich mayfly family in the Southern Hemisphere.