Diptera Simuliidae known to us as...... the dreaded "Black Fly"... although not always black... for variety they also come in dark brown, reddish-brown, grey or yellowish-orange... which makes them fun to paint but not to be around... as the females require a blood meal before they can lay their eggs.... and the unfortunate victim is usually the nearest warm blooded mammal... namely cats, dogs, birds and us!
Black Flies are found near flowing water where they lay their eggs... the larvae hold fast to stones, twigs, plants and debris above and under water.... by means of hooks or a sucker device at the end of their abdomens... you sometimes see their casings under rocks along streams...
They do not transmit disease to man in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.... but their bites produce toxic and allergic reactions...
Not a wanted little insect... mostly a general nuisance... when summer finally arrives and it feels just right to be out with your bare skin exposed.................. they come
approx. 2" x 3" pen, ink, watercolor on CP Arches WC paper
6 comments:
Dread the black fly! We camped in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and those flies were awful!!! We had to cover our skin, unless we were in the bright sun. They didn't bother us then. But I do like your painting and the great info!
Hi Anet.. oh,so the trick is to stay in the bright sun ... I'll remember that, Thanks
Ugh! I too met up with them in the U.P. (as we Michiganians call it) and also in Canada during a fishing trip. They loved crawling up pant legs and nailing us on the shins!
I love your art tho!
Just been introduced to your blog Gwen. Kathi said it made for interesting reading and it does. I love your art work. I can associate with the beautfy of this place. Trying to tell people in England of the beauty of this place is hard, so perhaps I will just direct them to your blog as well. I have to agree the Sea Smoke is a phenomena that is awe inspiring. How can people fathom this place, to me it it heaven on earth.
Debs
Hey thanks Deb,
I remember going through that too when I tried to explain to people what it was like here in St. Martins, when we first found it. As a matter of fact I still describe it that way...it always came down to.... "It feels like a Sigh" and it just gets down inside your soul!
Don...they always look for their lucky chance.
Bugs! I love bug art work. And yours is great.
sandy
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