Neavei Black Fly vs Giant Wood Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Neavei Black Fly | Giant Wood Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Simulium neavei | Temnostoma vespiforme |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Wood Feeders |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Eliminating the freshwater crabs that carry its larvae successfully eradicated onchocerciasis from parts of East Africa.
Giant Wood Hoverfly
A large, wasp-mimicking hoverfly with yellow and black banding and a slender waist. Its larvae develop in decaying wood of fallen trees in old-growth forests.
Did You Know?
It is considered an indicator species for ancient woodland due to its dependence on large volumes of decaying timber.