"Exploring Blackfly Ecology in Texas: Population Trends, Habitat Variat" by Sarah Palmeri
 

Exploring Blackfly Ecology in Texas: Population Trends, Habitat Variation, and Future Research Directions

Sarah Palmeri

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-2025

Abstract

Blackflies (Simuliidae) are blood feeding insects that serve as vectors for various diseases affecting humans and animals. Despite extensive research on other disease vectors, blackflies remain understudied in Texas. This study aimed to characterize the diversity, temporal distribution, and larval environments of blackflies in San Antonio, Texas. We collected larval and adult blackflies from two populations over one year, and found that both populations peaked in winter, contrary to findings in other studies, and that the primary species was Simulium mediovittatum. Water quality testing revealed significant differences in nitrite, nitrate, and sulfate concentrations between the two larval sites; the difference in physiochemical properties between habitats suggests that they could serve as field sites for evaluating the effect of larval habitats on blackfly biology. This and future studies will contribute to our understanding of blackflies and the role the environment may play in disease transmission, vector competency, and in population management.

Comments

2:15-3:15 p.m.

BLH 266

Studies in Organismal Biology

William Blake Erickson, Moderator

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