Ochraceum Black Fly vs Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ochraceum Black Fly Fluted Cape Stag Beetle
Scientific Name Simulium ochraceum Colophon primosi
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Simuliidae Lucanidae
Size 1.5-3 mm 18-28 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Mexico, Guatemala, southern Mexico, Central America South Africa
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Ochraceum Black Fly

A small orangish-brown black fly that is the principal vector of onchocerciasis in Central America and southern Mexico. It breeds in small, fast-running mountain streams. Biting activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon in coffee-growing regions.

💡

Did You Know?

The Americas are close to eliminating onchocerciasis thanks to mass ivermectin distribution targeting this vector's parasite.

Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

A small, flightless, dark brown stag beetle restricted to a single mountain in the Cape region of South Africa. Males have short, broad mandibles with a single inner tooth. It is threatened by illegal collecting and climate change.

💡

Did You Know?

Illegal collecting of Colophon species for the lucrative insect trade has led to CITES protection for the entire genus.