“Black Flies”
Genus Overview
38 species in North America. Often found with another blackfly genus Simulium. They occur in various sized streams as long as there is flowing water. They attach to various objects in the substrate, including trash. They produce a silk thread from their mouths and use it to attach to the substrate with the aid of small hooks on the last segment.
Characteristics
POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Southeast: up to 2.9
Upper Midwest: up to 3
0 = least tolerant, 10 = most tolerant
FEEDING HABITS
Collector / Filterer
Engulfer / Predator
Scraper / Grazer
Engulfer / Predator
Scraper / Grazer
MOVEMENT
Clinger
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread (east of the Rocky Mtns.)
HABITAT
Lotic-erosional
Diagnostic Characters
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