Irkutsk Black Fly

Helodon irkutensis

General Status Rank: 
Secure
Common Name: 
Irkutsk Black Fly
Scientific Name: 
Helodon irkutensis
Naming References: 
B170
H208
Google image search
Taxonomy
Group: 
Fly (Blackfly)
Kingdom: 
Animalia
Phylum: 
Arthropoda
Class: 
Insecta
Order: 
Diptera
Family: 
Simuliidae
References: 
B170
H208
General Biology

Longevity

Larvae hatch in June from overwintered eggs. Pupae appear in July. Adults are most prevalent from August to September.
Habitat
One of three species that is considered to be the most northern blackfly on the North American continent. Immature forms are common in cold, clear to milky glacial streams from 2 to more than 20 m wide, flowing through tundra. On Victoria Island, larvae often pupate inside empty cocoons of M. borealis. Larvae feed on detritus, diatoms, filamentous algae and early-instar blackflies and chironomids.
References: 
B170
Distribution

Ecozones

Northern Arctic, Southern Arctic
References: 
B170

Distribution

(4/175) x 100 = 2%
Score: 
FG
References: 
B170

Number of Occurrences

6 along Horton River, Banks Ilsland, western Victoria Isl.
Score: 
BE
References: 
B170

Area of Occupancy

Score: 
-
Population

Population Size

Common in Northern Canada
References: 
B170
Threats

Threats

Larvae are attacked by the chytrid fungus Coelmycidium simulii and an unidentified mermithid nematod.
Score: 
C
References: 
B170

Intrinsic Vulnerability

Score: 
-
References: 
B170
General Status Rank
Rank: 
Secure
Status Rank Description: 
Species found throughout northern Canada. Status presumed stable.
S Rank: 
S4S5
Decision Process Description: 
Drafted by Doug Currie, Royal Ontario Museum (January 2009); Draft ranks in 2014 by Patrick Schaefer for the black flies and horse flies for the National General Status Ranking Program.
Last Updated: 
November 3, 2014

References

Ecozones

  • Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return

Habitat

  • Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return

Intrinsic Vulnerability

  • Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return

Naming

  • Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return
  • Currie, D.C. (2008) Synoptic List of Northwest Territories Black Flies. List sent to Suzanne Carriere Copy in binder - H208 Return

Number of Occurrences

  • Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return

Population Size

Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return

Range Extent

  • Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return

Taxonomy

  • Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return
  • Currie, D.C. (2008) Synoptic List of Northwest Territories Black Flies. List sent to Suzanne Carriere Copy in binder - H208 Return

Threats

  • Adler, P.H., Currie, D.C., Wood, DM. (2004) The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press ENR Library - B170 Return