Simulium decorum
This record describes Simulium decorum (species). Recorded family: Simuliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Simulium decorum (Simulium decorum) is a species in the family Simuliidae, commonly known as black flies, belonging to the order Diptera (Flies). It is classified within the tribe Prosimuliini, superfamily Chironomoidea. This species belongs to the genus Simulium. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. It is found in It is a habitat specialist occupying food-rich outlets of impounded waters, where it often forms extensive larval and pupal mats.. Active during 2-6 generations per year, starting in April in the South. Overwinters as egg in most of its range..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Simuliidae (Black Flies)
- Tribe
- Prosimuliini
- Genus
- Simulium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"It is a habitat specialist occupying food-rich outlets of impounded waters, where it often forms extensive larval and pupal mats."
Geographic Range
"This abundant species is distributed across North America except the Southwest"
Seasonal Activity
2-6 generations per year, starting in April in the South. Overwinters as egg in most of its range.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Simulium decorum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Simulium decorum (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Simulium decorum
What is Simulium decorum?
Simulium decorum is a species in the family Simuliidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Simulium decorum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | It is a habitat specialist occupying food-rich outlets of impounded waters, where it often forms extensive larval and pupal mats. |
| Range | This abundant species is distributed across North America except the Southwest |
When is Simulium decorum active?
Simulium decorum: seasonal activity - 2-6 generations per year, starting in April in the South. Overwinters as egg in most of its range..