Sandflies (blackflies)
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