About 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.
How to Identify New Zealand Sandfly
New Zealand Sandfly (Austrosimulium ungulatum) belongs to the order Diptera, family Simuliidae. Adults typically measure 2-4 mm.
New Zealand Sandfly Habitat
New Zealand Sandfly is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across New Zealand, especially South Island. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
New Zealand Sandfly Diet and Feeding
New Zealand Sandfly is a blood-feeding species that obtains nutrients by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals. Blood feeders have specialised mouthparts adapted for piercing skin.
Where Is New Zealand Sandfly Found?
New Zealand Sandfly can be found in New Zealand, especially South Island, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where New Zealand Sandfly can be found
Is New Zealand Sandfly Dangerous?
New Zealand Sandfly is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals to obtain a blood meal. Bites can cause irritation, itching, and in some cases allergic reactions. Some blood-feeding insects are known to transmit diseases, so precautions should be taken to avoid bites.
New Zealand Sandfly Role in Nature
New Zealand Sandfly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like New Zealand Sandfly are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Sandfly
What does New Zealand Sandfly look like?
The New Zealand Sandfly typically measures 2-4 mm.
Where is New Zealand Sandfly found?
The New Zealand Sandfly is found in New Zealand, especially South Island and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.
What does New Zealand Sandfly eat?
The New Zealand Sandfly feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals.
Is New Zealand Sandfly dangerous to humans?
The New Zealand Sandfly is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals. Some blood feeders can transmit diseases. Take precautions to avoid bites.
What is an interesting fact about New Zealand Sandfly?
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.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). New Zealand Sandfly (Austrosimulium ungulatum). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-sandfly
MLA:
"New Zealand Sandfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-sandfly.