How Big Are Black Flies?
WouterBlack flies are small, flying insects with shiny thoraxes and long antennae. They’re black, gray, or yellow in color, and their eyes are large. The larvae emerge from eggs and feed on the nutrients in flowing water. They undergo six developmental stages before pupating into adult flies.
Black flies bite humans and domestic animals. They often bite areas on the body that are exposed to sunlight. Their bites can be painful and cause local swelling. They can also transmit several diseases, including mansonellosis and river blindness. In addition to transmitting diseases, Black Flies may also infect livestock.
Black flies live near fast-flowing bodies of water. They prefer fast-moving streams to stagnant ones. Female black flies lay hundreds of triangular eggs. The eggs hatch into worm-like larvae. Adult black flies typically remain within 16 km of their breeding location, but air currents can carry them far beyond that range.
Black flies are a nuisance in some areas. While most species of black flies don’t bite humans, some can bite and sucking blood. They’re 2 to 6 mm long and have large wings. They’re also characterized by short antennae. They’re usually black, but some are yellow or orange.
The larvae of black flies live in flowing water. Many species live in fresh mountain streams and springs, while others breed in lakes and irrigation ditches. Depending on the species, they can live for three to four weeks.
