# Black Fly (*Simulium spp.*) The Black Fly is a small fly that can bite! They are usually found near rivers and streams. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Rivers, streams, and wetlands - **Also known as:** Buffalo Gnats ![Black Fly](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426051/objects/5519.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Simuliidae - **Genus:** Simulium ## 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 - **Blood Meal Power:** Black Fly females can drink blood that helps them get vital protein to make their eggs. - **Water Anchor:** Black Fly larvae have tiny hooks and silk pads that help them stick tight to rocks in rushing water. - **CO2 Detector:** Black Flies can sense carbon dioxide that helps them find animals to bite for a blood meal. - **Filter Feeder Mouth:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) — Trout actively feed on black fly larvae in streams. - **Eaten by:** [Barn Swallow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barn-swallow) (*Hirundo rustica*) — Swallows catch adult black flies in flight. - **Parasitizes:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Female black flies bite humans for blood meals. - **Parasitizes:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Black flies bite deer, causing irritation and blood loss. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Parasitic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/parasitic): This trait describes organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Black Fly? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Black Fly's wingspan? 5-10 mm ### How big is Black Fly? 2-5 mm ### How long does Black Fly live? 15-30 days ### How fast can Black Fly fly? 8 km/h ### What does Black Fly eat? Adult females drink blood; males and larvae filter feed on tiny algae and bits in water. ### Where is Black Fly usually found? Rivers, streams, and wetlands ### How does Black Fly hunt? Filter feeding ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Black Fly: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-fly)