Onchocerciasis Black Fly vs Sinuate-winged Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Onchocerciasis Black Fly Sinuate-winged Damselfly
Scientific Name Simulium damnosum Tatocnemis sinuatipennis
Order Diptera Odonata
Family Simuliidae Platycnemididae
Size 2-4 mm 35-42 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Africa Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Onchocerciasis Black Fly

The primary vector of river blindness in West and Central Africa. Larvae thrive in oxygen-rich rapids of tropical rivers.

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Did You Know?

This species complex transmits the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which has blinded millions across Africa.

Sinuate-winged Damselfly

An endemic damselfly with distinctively sinuate or wavy-edged wings, a feature unique among Malagasy odonates. Males have a metallic green thorax and pale blue abdomen.

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Did You Know?

The unusual wavy wing shape is found in no other damselfly genus, making Tatocnemis instantly recognizable in the field.