Black Fly

Black Flies are one of the hazards of heading into northern forests and along cold running water as they bite. Most abundant from the middle of May to late June, they can be found throughout northern Canada and the northern United States. Only the females bite, and they use the blood for egg development.

Black Flies lay their eggs in water where the larvae attach themselves to rocks or plants. The adults float upwards in a bubble of air and are ready to fly as soon as they emerge from the water.

Black Flies are small (less than 1/4 in long) with a humpbacked, gnat-like appearance and clear, broad wings. Not all are black. Some are yellowish orange or brownish gray.

Did you know? Black Flies are valuable pollinators of wild Blueberry and an important fish food.

See Also: Horse Fly, House Fly, Hoverfly

Easy - numerous and usually easy to spot in the habitats listed at the appropriate time of year.

Forests are large areas of trees growing close together.

Wetlands are low-lying areas that are covered by water all or most of the time and support a variety of aquatic plants. This habitat includes rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes.