Neavei Black Fly vs Fan-foot Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neavei Black Fly Fan-foot Moth
Scientific Name Simulium neavei Zanclognatha tarsipennalis
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Simuliidae Erebidae
Size 2-3 mm 26-32 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya Europe
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.

Fan-foot Moth

A subtle brown moth with fan-shaped palps and delicate wing markings. Found in woodland where dead leaves accumulate. Larvae feed on dead leaves on the woodland floor.

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Did You Know?

The males have distinctive enlarged fan-shaped labial palps that give this moth its common name.