New Zealand Giant Centipede vs Maritime Long-legged Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Giant Centipede | Maritime Long-legged Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cormocephalus rubriceps | Aphrosylus praedator |
| Order | Scolopendromorpha | Diptera |
| Family | Scolopendridae | Dolichopodidae |
| Size | 100-160 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | North America, Pacific Coast |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Giant Centipede
New Zealand's largest centipede, reaching up to 160 mm in length. While not an insect, it is a prominent invertebrate predator found under logs and rocks. It delivers a painful venomous bite and preys on large invertebrates including weta.
Did You Know?
This centipede has been observed catching and eating gecko lizards and large weta that are nearly as big as itself.
Maritime Long-legged Fly
A specialized marine intertidal fly that hunts on wave-splashed rocks and barnacles. It has a metallic greenish body and uniquely adapted legs for gripping wet rocky surfaces.
Did You Know?
It can remain submerged by waves for short periods, surviving in an air bubble trapped by its body hairs.