Rothschild's Achias vs New Zealand Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rothschild's Achias | New Zealand Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Achias rothschildi | Austrosimulium ungulatum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Platystomatidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 15-18 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Papua New Guinea | New Zealand, especially South Island |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Rothschild's Achias
A remarkable Papua New Guinean fly where males have enormously elongated eye stalks. Males use their extended eyes to size up rivals. Has the largest head capsule of any known insect.
Did You Know?
Has the largest head capsule relative to body size of any insect, with eye stalks wider than its body.
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.