The New International Encyclopædia/Buffalo-gnat

BUFFALO-GNAT. A gnat (Simulium meridionale), closely related and similar to the northern black fly (q.v.), which swarms in the valleys of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. “They rival the mosquito in their bloodthirsty tendencies,” says Howard, “and not only do they attack human beings, but poultry and domestic animals are frequently killed by them. . . . In certain seasons they multiply enormously, alight in thousands on cattle (as formerly they did on the bison), and produce death through their poisonous bites as well as from loss of blood. Unlike mosquitoes, they fly and bite in the daytime, and are often seen in large numbers flying in bright sunshine. The larvæ are aquatic, and unlike mosquitoes again, the larvæ of which live in stagnant water, Simulium larvæ frequent well-aërated and frequently swiftly running streams.” Consult: Osborn, Insects Affecting Domestic Animals (Dept. of Agriculture, Washington, 1896).