On the British species of Simulium.—I. the Adults

Abstract

The theories at present widely accepted regarding the connection between the SIMOLIIDAE and pellagra have brought this family of blood-sucking flies very much to the front in recent years, and have rendered it highly desirable that accurate information should be available concerning the different species, their distribution and habits. It is in the hope that the facts brought forward may be of use at some future time, and that the way may be cleared for further research, that the present investigation has been undertaken. The writer has examined over 1,000 pinned specimens, including the material in the British Museum, the Cambridge Museum and the Edinburgh Museum, together with a large number of additional specimens kindly lent by various private correspondents. The result of this examination will, it is believed, go some way towards an elucidation of the European species of this family.