What is a common name for Black flies?

The common name for Black flies is "biting gnat." This designation reflects their behavior, as they are known for their biting when they feed on the blood of mammals, including humans. Black flies belong to the family Simuliidae, and their bites can be quite painful and irritating, which adds to their notoriety as pests.

The use of "biting" in the common name emphasizes the significance of their feeding habits, distinguishing them from other fly species that may not bite. This name is widely used in entomological and pest control contexts, making it easily recognizable to those studying or managing mosquito and related insect populations.

Other options like "swarming insect," "gathering fly," and "bitten fly" do not accurately describe Black flies. While they may exhibit swarming behavior, the names lack specificity and do not convey their biting characteristic, which is central to their impact on human and animal populations.