Black fly: what is this biting insect that lives in France that is alarming Spain?

The alarm signal given a few days ago has stirred up Spain. The National Association of Societies for Environmental Health (Anecpla) explains in all the media that the population of midges, “musca negra”, has increased dramatically in recent years. It would spread throughout the country.

Smaller than a housefly, rarely exceeding 3 mm, midge. (its scientific name), has the peculiarity of biting people and animals in order to feed on their blood. “Then she spits out anticoagulant saliva, which causes people to bleed a little,” says Gerard Duvalet, medical and veterinary entomologist, emeritus professor at the Paul-Valery University in Montpellier. Victims who do not feel the bite due to diffusion of the anesthetic.

This insect, which has over 1000 known species depending on the region, has also been present in France for “a very long time”.

No human deaths have been registered

But should we be worried about this? “Usually we get feedback from pharmacists who see the parade of injection victims in the month of August. At the moment we do not have any signals,” explains Gerard Duvalet.

“Whatever happens, the species vector of pathology such as onchocerciasis or river blindness, which can cause blindness, is observed only in East Africa, where I worked,” the entomologist continues. However, a species capable of causing deer to lose their sight has already been observed in Europe. Cattle and birds may also be affected.

“The midge can be observed not only in the mountains, but also on the plain in moving streams. The larvae develop in the presence of organic matter in the water. They collect everything that floats to feed themselves, like a cattle breeder who pours his milk into the river, ”quotes Gerard Duvalet.

Development enhanced by heat

Temperature is also a factor in its development. So the recurring heatwaves in recent years could explain the increase in bites in Spain, with flies breeding faster and colonies growing.

But, according to scientists, not a single human death associated with midges has been recorded over the past century. However, some may have allergic reactions that cause fever, nausea, headache, itching, or swelling. “After bites, it’s enough to do without soap, disinfect wounds and, at worst, contact a pharmacist to ask for an anti-itch cream or ointment in case of inflammation,” the expert advises.

If you plan to spend time near water bodies, walking or fishing, repellents identical to those used against mosquitoes can protect against attack. Finally, midges are usually observed in France only in the summer, in contrast to the warmer or tropical regions of the planet.