The black flies of Maine

Black flies have been long-time residents of Maine and cause extensive nuisance problems for people, domestic animals, and wildlife. The black fly problem has no simple solution because of the multitude of species present, the diverse and ecologically sensitive habitats in which they are found, and the problems inherent in measuring the extent of the damage they cause. As a beginning to the understanding of the nature of the black fly problem, an inventory of black fly species and habitats was made throughout the state. Previous black fly surveys in Maine, Waters (1969) and Bauer (1977), have been geographically limited.