Blandford Fly vs American Sand Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blandford Fly | American Sand Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Simulium posticatum | Dolania americana |
| Order | Diptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Behningiidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 10-15 mm body |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blandford Fly
A notorious black fly that causes severe allergic reactions with its bite around the Blandford area of Dorset. Females need blood meals for egg development. Larvae develop in clean rivers.
Did You Know?
Named after Blandford Forum in Dorset where outbreaks of painful bites affect thousands of people each summer.
American Sand Mayfly
Holds the record for the shortest adult lifespan of any insect — females live less than five minutes as adults, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying.
Did You Know?
Female Dolania americana mayflies live less than five minutes as adults — they emerge, mate, lay eggs, and die faster than most people take a coffee break.