WATER QUALITY: Analytical Procedures - "Immature Simuliidae, Methods for Identification (Dissection and Mounting)" by S. S. Hahn and L. J. Tilley



                                     January 21, 1974

QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 74.09

Subject: WATER QUALITY: Analytical Procedures - "Immature 
         Simuliidae, Methods for Identification (Dissection 
         and Mounting)" by S. S. Hahn and L. J. Tilley

In studies using benthic invertebrates as indicators of water 
quality, problems arise in the identification of some taxa of 
the insect Family Simuliidae. Although many of the Simuliidae 
can be identified with little or no difficulty, some require 
dissection and slide mounting for microoscopic examination.

Simuliidae (commonly called simuliids or blackflies, 
sometimes called buffalo gnats) are insects found worldwide. 
The larvae occur only in swifty flowing freshwaters. Their 
general taxonomic classification is as follows:

     Phylum:         Arthropoda
     Class:          Insecta
     Order:          Diptera (flies)
     Family:         SIMULIIDAE
     Genus (common): Prosimulium.

The attached provisional procedure describes the anatomical 
features used for identification of the Simuliidae and the 
method for dissecting and preparing microscope mounts.

Questions or comments pertaining to the procedure should be 
directed to the Chief, Quality of Water Branch (Mail Stop 
412, Reston, Virginia).



                               R. J. Pickering

Attachment

WRD Distribution: A, FO-LS, PO