Simulium (black flies)

Introduction

A genus of biting gnats or midges, black flies, humpbacked flies, or buffalo gnats. Aquatic larvae require swift-flowing streams or highly oxygenated water for their development. Species are vectors of

• Onchocerca volvulus in Central & South America, Mexico & across central Africa
• Mansonella ozzardi in the Carribean
• Onchocerca guturosa infections in cattle, horses & wild ruminants

More general terms

• simuliidae (black flies)

Additional terms

• Mansonella ozzardi
• Onchocerca volvulus; convoluted filaria (river blindness)