Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Sandflies (blackflies)

Photo by B.B.Given. Thanks to Te Papa

Photo by B.B.Given. Thanks to Te Papa


Order: Diptera
Family: Simuliidae

Size range

  • Small insects, 2–3 mm long

Distribution

  • Native species found throughout New Zealand

Life History

  • Breed in running water, where the larvae are attached to plants or rocks
  • Larvae sieve food particles from water current
  • Adult females suck blood of birds and mammals

Additional images