This insect is a dipteron (an insect with two wings) with a thick thorax. Black flies are usually black or dark, and sometimes their legs have white or yellow designs. The males do not bite, but the females often attack visitors to the forest. The larvae are usually born in moving water. After some time, they become cocoons where the larvae change into adults. Anyone who spends some time near a river is sure to be bitten by a black fly. They live for only one week.
Approximate size: Between 1/10 inch and 1 ┬╜ inches.
Favorite food: When larvae, they eat protozoa and microscopic seaweed; when adults, blood (females) and juice from plants (males).
