Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: aquatic

Feeding Habits
Adults:

Immatures: saprophagous

North American
Species: 136

Diptera Simuliidae
Black flies

Special Characteristics: Simuliidae are small grayish or blackish flies with short legs, broad rounded wings and a humpbacked shape.

Comments: 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.

Species:
Simulium sp.

Common Name:

Feeding Habits: The females feed on blood of birds and mammals. The males feed on nectar, and the females will also feed on nectar. The larvae are filter feeder and eat small particles such as bacteria.

Distribution:
Widespread in Canada.

Comments:
Common near running water.