Black fly

Black fly (also known as buffalo gnat, turkey gnat, or white socks) is any member of the family Simuliidae of the Culicomorpha infraorder. They are related to mosquitoes and sandflies.

Description

Black flies are small, ranging from 5 to 15 mm in length. They are usually black or dark gray, with short, stout bodies and humped backs. Their antennae are short and their mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of black flies involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The females deposit their eggs on the surface of water bodies, where they hatch into larvae. The larvae attach themselves to rocks or vegetation and feed on organic matter. After a period of growth, they pupate and emerge as adults.

Habitat

Black flies are found worldwide, except in desert and arid regions. They are most common in humid, forested areas, especially near bodies of water. They are known to be particularly abundant in the Amazon Rainforest and the African rainforest.

Impact on Humans

Black flies are a nuisance to humans because of their biting habits. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and other chemicals in human breath and sweat. Their bites can cause severe irritation, swelling, and sometimes serious allergic reactions. In addition, black flies can transmit diseases such as river blindness and Leucocytozoonosis.

Control

Control of black flies is challenging due to their ability to breed in large numbers and their resistance to many insecticides. However, strategies such as the use of insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding areas where black flies are abundant can help reduce the risk of bites and disease transmission.

See Also

• Insect
• Biting midge
• Horse-fly
• Tsetse fly