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Canada's Species   Insects

Black Flies

Family Simuliidae

Simulium sp.. Photo:Stephanie Boucher
Simulium sp.. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The adut females are bloodfeeders and are often serious pests. Livestock can die if bitten by a large number of black flies. They also transmit diseases to wildlife in North America, and to humans in other parts of the world. The larvae are aquatic and occur in fast moving streams. The larvae attach themselves to rocks and other objects by means of a sucker at the posterior end of the body and filter food from the water as it flows past. Adults occur in late spring and early summer, often near the stream from which they emerged. Simuliidae are small grayish or blackish flies with short legs, broad rounded wings and a humpbacked shape.

   
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