The actual culprits have been a black fly species, Simulium meridionale, also commonly called buffalo gnats or turkey gnats (Fig. 1). Black fly species are small (5 mm or less) flies. The flies are day-active, fast and strong fliers. Female flies have mouth parts modified to bite and feed on blood.

Blackfly species are common along fast moving rivers at certain times of the year, particularly in northeast Texas. There, various confined birds have been killed because of attacks by large numbers of black flies. Another group of tiny biting flies are the biting midges called “punkies” or “no-see-ums” (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae ...

Black flies are a type of insect that survive by feeding on blood. They are present all over the world and also in Texas’s habitats. These small creatures have gained quite some popularity due to their bites which often result in itchiness and allergic reactions in both humans and animals.

Here are common species of gnats commonly found throughout Texas: Buffalo gnats: Tiny black biting flies common near streams and rivers. They grow up to 0.12” (3.1 mm) long. Fungus gnats: Small, slender black flies that typically infest homes. They are so tiny the flies are easy to mistake for fruit flies.

Black fly species can commonly be found along fast-moving rivers, particularly in northeast Texas. Female black flies have mouth parts to bite and feed on blood of people, domestic...