New Zealand Sandfly vs Horn-faced Marsh Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Sandfly | Horn-faced Marsh Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrosimulium ungulatum | Dictya umbrarum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Sciomyzidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Wetlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | New Zealand, especially South Island | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Sandfly
A small black fly endemic to New Zealand that inflicts painful bites, particularly notorious in the South Island's West Coast and Fiordland regions. Despite being called sandflies locally, they are actually black flies in the family Simuliidae. They breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams.
Did You Know?
Maori legend says the sandfly was created by the goddess Hine-nui-te-po to prevent humans from lingering too long in the beautiful Fiordlands.
Horn-faced Marsh Fly
A small yellowish marsh fly with patterned wings and prominent facial ridges. Larvae feed on decomposing aquatic snails in shallow wetland habitats.
Did You Know?
Sciomyzid flies are the only family of Diptera in which the larvae are obligate associates of mollusks.