1A small black fly, the female of which sucks blood and can transmit a number of serious human and animal diseases. Large swarms sometimes cause distress to livestock and humans.
Family Simuliidae: Simulium and other genera
‘Similarly, the device mimics a human by emitting a plume of carbon dioxide, heat and moisture, and an attractant, octenol, which targets mosquitoes, biting midges, black flies and sandflies.’
‘Other blood feeding insects or mites that may occasionally be pests of poultry include: chigger mites, biting midges, and black flies (turkey gnats).’
‘In fact, in their effort to discourage the world's mosquitoes, blackflies, sand flies and ticks, consumers spend an estimated $200 million annually on sprays, liquids, lotions, candles and other anti-insect concoctions.’
‘Similarly, as soon as I crossed the doorstep, the June hordes of bloodsucking blackflies and horseflies left off their hot pursuit.’
‘When you're not underwater, coat yourself in deet or be eaten alive by bloodthirsty blackflies.’
2A black or dark green aphid that is a common pest of crops and gardens.
Several species in the family Aphididae, in particular Aphis fabae
‘Hover flies and lace wings control aphids and blackfly.’
‘Most common are greenfly on roses and blackfly on nasturtiums and broad beans, but dozens of their relations also attack other plants.’
‘One or two other insidious pests have crept almost unnoticed into my garden this month including blackfly, which have infested the tall flowering stems of the cardoons.’
‘But the sunny weather has suited greenfly and blackfly, while mildew has affected several plants.’
‘And try to avoid ‘revenge spraying’ - which is what happens when blackfly, for example, have ruined your roses.’
Are You Learning English? Here Are Our Top English Tips