BLACK FLIES (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) OF THE FORESTS OF QUEBEC

Abstract

Twenty-two species of black flies, three of which are new to science, were found in the Baie Comeau area of Quebec in 1954 and 1955. Simulium venustum Say constituted 75 to 80% of the population and was the major species biting man. Prosimulium hirtipes (Fries), S. parnassum Mall., and S. tuberosum (Lund.) were also pest species. S. verecundum S. &J. was identified in collections made in August, 1955. Accounts are given of the habits, dispersal, transportation, stream-current preferences, feeding, and predators of the larvae. The structure of the unique pupal cocoon of Cnephia invenusta (Wlk.), and the formation of its stalk from the stems of dead moss, were studied.