New Zealand Sandfly vs Tiger Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Sandfly | Tiger Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrosimulium ungulatum | Nephrotoma flavescens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 13-18 mm body length |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | New Zealand, especially South Island | Europe |
| 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.
Tiger Crane Fly
A striking yellow crane fly with bold black stripes on the thorax. Adults are commonly found basking on sunny foliage in summer.
Did You Know?
Its bold yellow and black thoracic stripes make it the most colorful European crane fly.