Ochraceum Black Fly vs Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura)
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ochraceum Black Fly | Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Simulium ochraceum | Drosophila heteroneura |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Drosophilidae |
| Size | 1.5-3 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Forests |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Mexico, Guatemala, southern Mexico, Central America | Oceania (Hawaii - Big Island) |
| 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.
Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Heteroneura)
A remarkable Hawaiian picture-wing fly famous for its hammer-shaped head, found only on Hawaii Island. Males use their broad, flattened heads in head-butting contests for mating rights. It breeds in decaying Clermontia bark.
Did You Know?
Males have uniquely hammer-shaped heads that they use as battering rams, headbutting rival males in combat over territory and mates.