Blackfly Collection

Simulium damnosum, Simulian blackfly
Scanning electron microscope image of the head showing the compound eye (x 130). The fly is a vector of a parasite which causes River Blindness. Coloured artifically by computer

Blackfly antenna
Scanning electron microscope image of a blackfly antenna (x 350). These long sensory organs feel and taste objects as well as sensing vibrations and smells (x 1.1K)

Campion aphids, Brachycaudus lychnidis, colony on flowering red campion, Silene dioica

Beetroot leaf infested with blackflies, close-up

A ladybird on leaves covered with plant lice

Black fly in Baltic amber
Black fly preserved in Baltic amber. This fly belongs to subgenus Morops and dates from the Upper Eocene about 35 million years old

Black Ant - tending black bean aphids - UK
SPH-52 Black Garden Ant - tending black bean aphids UK Lasius niger Steve Hopkin contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Black Garden Ant - Tending aphids, UK
SPH-55 Black garden ANT - tending / milking aphids / blackfly UK Lasius niger Steve Hopkin Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Black Bean Aphid - UK
SPH-2394 Black Bean Aphid / Blackfly UK Aphis fabae Steve Hopkin Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Pupa of Black Fly Simulium JC 156 © John Clegg / ARDEA LONDON
JC-156 Pupa of Black Fly Simulium John Clegg Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Blackfly: The Tiny Menace of the Insect World" Simulium damnosum, also known as Simulian blackfly, is a notorious insect that has captured the attention of scientists and gardeners alike. With its distinctive black body and delicate wings, this tiny creature can cause big problems. One fascinating feature of the blackfly is its antenna. These slender appendages help them navigate their surroundings and locate suitable hosts for feeding, and are like radar systems guiding them towards their next meal. An illustration from Musement Microscopique in 1764 showcases an aphid, a close relative to the blackfly. This color engraving captures the intricate details of these minuscule pests that have plagued gardens for centuries. Speaking of gardens, another illustration from Musement Microscopique depicts various garden pests, including our infamous blackflies. These insects can quickly infest plants such as flowering red campion (Silene dioica) or Silene rubra, forming colonies like Brachycaudus lychnidis. The presence of these aphids on flowering plants not only affects their aesthetics but also poses a threat to their health. Beetroot leaves are particularly vulnerable to infestation by blackflies; a close-up view reveals how they swarm over every inch of foliage. But it's not just plants that suffer from these pesky creatures; even mighty animals like grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) fall victim to their annoyance. A stunning image shows an adult bear surrounded by swarms of backlit blackflies during an evening sunset—a reminder that no one is immune to their buzzing presence. Whether you're studying entomology or tending your beloved garden, understanding the world of blackflies is crucial. From their unique antennae to their impact on both flora and fauna, these tiny insects prove that size doesn't always dictate significance in the natural world.