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| Simuliidae | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Diptera |
| Super-family | Chironomoidea |
Introduction
| Also known as: | Buffalo gnats Blackfly Black Fly |
Simuliidae of the superfamily Chironomoidea are blood sucking parasites, most active in the morning and evening on warm, cloudy days. They can cause painful, irritating bites and anaemia if present in large numbers. They are vectors for disease, aiding the spread of viruses such as Eastern equine encephalitis and vesicular stomatitis.
Identification
They are small flies, around 2-4mm long, and usually black/grey. They have an arched thorax giving a 'hump-backed' appearance, and have short, hairless antennae.
Life cycle
Eggs are laid on plants or stones under flowing water. The eggs hatch and develop into larvae, which attach to submerged rocks and pupate. They then pupate in a conical shaped cocoon. The adults then emerge later.
The complete life cycle takes 1 month to complete.