- 165 species in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera (True flies) |
| Family: | Simulidae (Black flies) |
Identification Tips:
• Vase shaped body with circular attachment structure at base.
• Two brushy appendages protruding from head.
• 2 Fleshy prolegs on body just below head.
Life History:
• Found only in flowing water (all current speeds)
• Attach to rock, wood or other submerged objects
• Filter feeders: collect drifting organic material from the current with brush-like appendages protruding from their heads. They periodically flick the brushes into their mouths to clean off accumulated food.
• Pupate in tent like structure attached to rocks
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Some | Most | |||
| Pollution Indicator | High abundance is a reliable indicator of moderate organic pollution |
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
