Buffalo gnat

Scientific name: Simulium sp.
(Diptera: Simuliidae)

Facts: Buffalo gnats are small humpbacked biting flies. They are persistant bitters and even crawl into the hair to bite the scalp. Bites from them are generally worse than mosquito bites and the bite can bleed long after the gnat has left. They are a nuisance and some times a serious pest of humans, pets, and livestock. The larvae are found in flowing water where they attach to rocks, sticks, and other structures and sift food from the water as it floats by. Adults are strong fliers so they can be found long distances from water.

Photo credit:  J. V Robinson