A black fly (sometimes called a buffalo gnat or turkey gnat) is any member of the family Simuliidae of the Culicomorpha infraorder. They are related to the Ceratopogonidae, Chironomidae, and Thaumaleidae. There are over 1800 known species of black flies (of which 11 are extinct). The majority of species belong to the immense genus Simulium. Like mosquitoes, to which they are related, most black flies gain nourishment by sucking the blood of other animals. They are usually small, black or gray, with short legs and antennae. They are a common nuisance for humans, and many U.S. states have programs to suppress the black fly population. They spread several diseases, including river blindness in Africa (Simulium damnosum und S. neavei) and America (Simulium callidum und S. metallicum in Central America, also S. ochraceum in Central and South America).

Regional effects of black fly populations

• In the wetter parts of the northern latitudes of North America, including parts of Canada, New England and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, black fly populations swell from Mid-May to July, becoming a nuisance to humans engaging in common outdoor activitites such as boating, camping and backpacking.
• In Canada, black flies are a scourge to livestock, causing weight loss in cattle and in some cases, death. ^*

References

• Black Flies Fact Sheet from Ohio State University
• Extensive Simuliidae (black fly) Web pages at blackfly.org.uk
• Black fly species inventory
• Black fly fact sheet from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• FAQ about black flies in Maine

Flies | Upper Peninsula of Michigan

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