Field Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates ...

and Phlebotomous in the Old World. Adults can be controlled by applying residual insecticides
to harborages, aerial application of pesticides for wide area treatment, and personal protection
methods such as avoidance, treating screens, bednets and uniforms with permethrin, and using
repellents such as DEET.
Figure 194. Phlebotomus papatasi adult. Photo: Ed Rowton.
Black flies (Family Simuliidae)
Also known as buffalo gnats, these small (0.12-0.16 inch or 3-4 mm) dark-colored flies have a
hump-backed appearance. Only female black flies take a blood meal, and their biting-slashing
mouthparts inflict painful bites. Black flies often occur in large swarms making them a serious
pest of people, livestock, and wild animals. In addition to their painful bites, black flies in
portions of Africa, southern Mexico, Central and South America can transmit Onchocerciasis, or
river blindness, to humans. Black fly larva and pupae most often inhabit fast flowing streams
where they attach themselves to the surface of rocks or large woody debris. Immature stages of
some black flies, such as those in the genus Cnephia, inhabit slow-flowing streams and swampy
areas. Black flies are widely distributed worldwide, but most species are found in temperate and
boreal regions. Black flies can inflict substantial numbers of bites when they are emerging from
the aquatic habitat. Feeding almost always occurs during daylight, but their feeding activity is
often focused in the morning or at dusk. Black fly bites often itch for days after they are
inflicted, but such itching can be managed with topical corticosteroids.
Figure 195. Black fly (Simulium sp.) larva. Photo: Benny Chan.
Figure 196. Black fly (Simulium sp.) larvae in their aquatic habitat. Flow is towards top of
photo. Photo: Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum.