Sustained colonization of the black fly Simulium decorum Walker (Diptera: Simuliidae)

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Abstract
The black fly S. decorum Walker has been colonized for 16 generations (18 mo.) using an inexpensive larval rearing system. More than 90% of the females are induced with simulated twilight to ovipositon on floating cork substrates. Eggs on corks have been successfully stored for up to 2 mo. at 0.5-1.5.degree. C. Female survival averages 87% for 4 days at 22.degree. C and 90-95% relative humidity. Mating in aspirator tubes results in nearly 100% insemination, whereas a cage mating trial resulted in only 26% insemination. Under crowded conditions where larvae are underfed, emerging males are smaller and mature fewer eggs. Though autogenous, nulliparous females readily blood feed on humans, but do not mature additional eggs.