11005-55004 Dog flea or keha (Ctenocephalides canis) a species which feeds primarily on the blood of dogs, but also cats, and sometimes humans. Females must have a blood meal before they can produce eggs. Fleas are a marvel of design; laterally flattened (like fish), and covered with backswept spines, which aid their rapid movement through dense fur - or feathers. Blunt antennae fold flat against grooves behind their eyes. Paper thin, they are almost impossible to kill by crushing. A "mustache" of barbs anchors the face firmly to flesh as they feed on blood. Dunedin *
DSC_5994 Argus cranefly (Austrolimnophila argus) female. A 'lesser cranefly' with intricate eye-spot markings on the wings - in greek mythology Argus was a giant with a hundred eyes. This distinctive little cranefly is widespread through NZ forests from the central North Island southwards. Peak emergence is Oct/Nov. Peel Forest *
DSC_7846 Mountain crane fly (Leptotarsus rufiventris) pair mating in tussock, with brightly coloured male on the left. This is cranefly species of the subalpine tussock meadows in summer. Found in the South Island only, from about Arthur's Pass southwards. Their larvae, also known as leatherjackets, live in soil at the base of tussocks. Tasman Valley, Mount Cook *
