Black Fly

Simulium spp.

The Black Fly is a small fly that can bite! They are usually found near rivers and streams.

Habitat: Rivers, streams, and wetlands

Appearance

The Black Fly is a small, dark insect, typically black or gray, with a distinct hunchbacked appearance. It has short, stout legs and broad, clear wings that overlap when at rest, often looking smoky. They are visually distinct from other flies due to their stocky build.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySimuliidaeGenusSimulium

Black Fly

Interesting facts

Adult black flies rarely live longer than three weeks, even with a blood meal!

Female black flies can lay up to 500 eggs in just one batch!

Some black flies only bite birds, not humans or other mammals!

Their larvae can spin silk threads to glue themselves to rocks in streams.

Special abilities

Black Fly females can drink blood that helps them get vital protein to make their eggs.

Black Fly larvae have tiny hooks and silk pads that help them stick tight to rocks in rushing water.

Black Flies can sense carbon dioxide that helps them find animals to bite for a blood meal.

Black Fly larvae have fan-like mouthparts that help them filter tiny food particles from the water.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 5-10 mm
Size: 2-5 mm
Lifespan: 15-30 days
Flight Speed: 8 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adult females drink blood; males and larvae filter feed on tiny algae and bits in water.

Age differences: Larvae filter-feed on microscopic organisms; adult males feed on nectar; adult females require a blood meal for egg development.

Primary Foods

algae
bacteria
detritus
nectar
blood

Foraging Method

Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eaten by

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Trout actively feed on black fly larvae in streams.

eaten by

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

Swallows catch adult black flies in flight.

parasitizes

Human

Homo sapiens

Female black flies bite humans for blood meals.

parasitizes

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Black flies bite deer, causing irritation and blood loss.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.

Parasitic

Discover unique organisms that live on or inside another creature, getting their food and shelter from their host. It's a fascinating and complex relationship in nature!