Ringed Black Fly (Loon Blackfly)

Simulium annulus

General Status Rank: 
Secure
Common Name: 
Ringed Black Fly (Loon Blackfly)
Scientific Name: 
Simulium annulus
Naming References: 
B170
H208
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Taxonomy
Group: 
Fly (Blackfly)
Kingdom: 
Animalia
Phylum: 
Arthropoda
Class: 
Insecta
Order: 
Diptera
Family: 
Simuliidae
References: 
B170
H208
General Biology

Longevity

Larvae develop during the winter and pass through 7 instars. Adult emergence is greatest about 2 hours after sunrise. Females live about 2-3 weeks and have a typical flight range of 2.5 km, although distance of at least 8 km are possible.
References: 
B170
Habitat
Immature stages inhabit streams and rivers typically more than 10 m wide, but as small as 2 m wide, often downstream of a lake outlet. Proximity to lake outlets may be due to their need for nearby hosts. Females can be collected in fens moreso than in forested and shrubby habitats. This species is the most host-specific blackfly known, having been confirmed feeding only on the common loon.
References: 
B170
Distribution

Ecozones

Southern Arctic, Taiga Shield
References: 
B170

Distribution

5/175 x 100 = 3%
Score: 
FG
References: 
B170

Number of Occurrences

7, along Thelon and other barrenground sites
Score: 
BE
References: 
B170

Area of Occupancy

Score: 
-
Population

Population Size

Widespread
References: 
B170
Threats

Threats

Larvae may be infected with the chytrid fungus Coelomycidium simulii, the microsporidium Polydispyrenia simulii, and unidentified mermithid nematodes. Adults may be preyed on by empidid flies.
Score: 
C
References: 
B170

Intrinsic Vulnerability

Score: 
-
References: 
B170
General Status Rank
Rank: 
Secure
Status Rank Description: 
Larvae occur in large fast streams, which are difficult to sample. Likely more prevalent than indicated by few occurrences.
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: 
July 14, 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

Longevity

  • 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