What diseases are Simulium known to carry what species?

What diseases are Simulium known to carry what species?

Simulium is a genus of black flies, which may transmit diseases such as onchocerciasis (river blindness). It is a large genus with several hundred species, and 41 subgenera. The flies are pool feeders….

What does a Simulium fly spread?

Onchocerciasis and Loiasis The filarial nematode parasites Onchocerca volvulus and Loa loa are transmitted from human to human by biting flies Simulium and Chrysops, respectively. Onchocerciasis is found in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and Yemen.

What is the biological name of black fly?

SimuliidaeBlack fly / Scientific name

black fly, (family Simuliidae), also called buffalo gnat, or turkey gnat, any member of a family of about 1,800 species of small, humpbacked flies in the order Diptera. Black flies are usually black or dark gray, with gauzy wings, stout antennae and legs, and rather short mouthparts that are adapted for sucking blood.

What is Simulium SPP?

Simulium spp. Black fly are true flies from the family Simuliidae in the order Diptera. Female Black flies feed on blood and are the scourge of many river banks. They are found almost globally, from the tropics to the Arctic tundra. Black fly are small stocky flies, 2 to 5 mm in length, black or dark brown in colour.

What are the symptoms of a black fly bite?

Black fly bites on humans look similar to a mosquito bite. They cause swollen bumps on the skin that are small and red in appearance. These bumps are also very painful and itchy, becoming fluid-filled blisters in some cases.

Where are Simulium black flies found?

Black flies are found in many parts of the US and Canada, including Florida. Populations in Florida normally are not present in numbers large enough to be noticed by humans. Simulium slossonae is found in Florida from Dade country north to Duval county, and west to Escambia county.

How do blackflies bite?

Species that bite humans are drawn to subtle odours in sweat. They tend to swarm around the head and skin before biting, and will bite any exposed skin, especially on the wrists, ankles, waistline, neck and hairline. Their bites normally leave a small welt and a droplet of blood, and may itch for several days.

What are tiny black flies called?

Fungus Gnats: If the flies are small, black, and flying around windows or potted plants; then they are probably fungus gnats. These flies are the most common small fly in houses. They are small, delicate black flies that are weak flyers and often collect at windows.

Where are Simulium found?

The larvae and pupae develop in rapidly flowing, well-oxygenated streams and rivers. Simulium damnosum s.l., which has a wide distribution in Africa and Yemen, is the most important vector of the disease. Simulium neavei, the aquatic stages of which are found on freshwater crabs, may also transmit O.

Why do black fly bites hurt so much?

Bites can cause swelling and numb soreness. To suck blood from animals and people, black flies cut a hole in the skin. The blood, pain and itching associated with the bite is the body’s response to the fly’s saliva. If an individual is bitten, they should clean the bite and apply topical products to reduce itching.

Can you get sick from a black fly bite?

Black flies typically bite near the head or face. Their bites leave a small puncture wound, and can result in anything from slight swelling to a swollen bump the size of a golf ball. Other symptoms can include headache, nausea, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.