Alberta Advanced Biting Fly Biology and
Ecology (2026 Edition)Comprehensive
Practice Examination | Advanced Multiple-
Choice Questions | Verified Answers |
Detailed Rationales in Italics | Alberta Biting
Fly Biology, Ecology, Surveillance &
Integrated Pest Management
Question 1
Which family contains the true black flies commonly
responsible for severe biting problems throughout Alberta?
A. Culicidae
B. Simuliidae
C. Tabanidae
D. Ceratopogonidae
Answer: B. Simuliidae
Rationale: Black flies belong to the family Simuliidae. Their
larvae develop in flowing water, making Alberta's rivers and
streams ideal breeding habitats.
,Question 2
Horse flies are best classified within which insect family?
A. Psychodidae
B. Muscidae
C. Tabanidae
D. Chironomidae
Answer: C. Tabanidae
Rationale: Horse flies and deer flies belong to Tabanidae.
Females require blood meals for egg production and are well
known for painful bites.
Question 3
Female biting flies generally require blood meals primarily to:
A. Increase flight speed
B. Produce eggs
C. Extend larval survival
D. Digest plant sugars
Answer: B. Produce eggs
Rationale: Blood provides proteins and nutrients necessary for
egg development in many biting fly species.
,Question 4
Black fly larvae attach themselves to submerged substrates
using:
A. Claws only
B. Sticky silk pads
C. Anal hooks and silk
D. Mouth hooks
Answer: C. Anal hooks and silk
Rationale: Larvae anchor themselves to rocks and vegetation
using silk secretions and posterior hooks to withstand fast-
flowing water.
Question 5
Which Alberta habitat is most suitable for black fly larval
development?
A. Stagnant ponds
B. Flowing rivers
C. Temporary puddles
D. Marshes
, Answer: B. Flowing rivers
Rationale: Black fly larvae require oxygen-rich moving water,
unlike mosquitoes that commonly breed in standing water.
Question 6
The primary host-seeking cue used by many biting flies is:
A. Moonlight
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Magnetic fields
D. Soil moisture
Answer: B. Carbon dioxide
Rationale: Carbon dioxide released during respiration serves as
one of the strongest long-range attractants.
Question 7
Which mouthpart adaptation allows horse flies to create painful
wounds?
A. Long siphon
B. Piercing stylets
C. Cutting blade-like mouthparts
Ecology (2026 Edition)Comprehensive
Practice Examination | Advanced Multiple-
Choice Questions | Verified Answers |
Detailed Rationales in Italics | Alberta Biting
Fly Biology, Ecology, Surveillance &
Integrated Pest Management
Question 1
Which family contains the true black flies commonly
responsible for severe biting problems throughout Alberta?
A. Culicidae
B. Simuliidae
C. Tabanidae
D. Ceratopogonidae
Answer: B. Simuliidae
Rationale: Black flies belong to the family Simuliidae. Their
larvae develop in flowing water, making Alberta's rivers and
streams ideal breeding habitats.
,Question 2
Horse flies are best classified within which insect family?
A. Psychodidae
B. Muscidae
C. Tabanidae
D. Chironomidae
Answer: C. Tabanidae
Rationale: Horse flies and deer flies belong to Tabanidae.
Females require blood meals for egg production and are well
known for painful bites.
Question 3
Female biting flies generally require blood meals primarily to:
A. Increase flight speed
B. Produce eggs
C. Extend larval survival
D. Digest plant sugars
Answer: B. Produce eggs
Rationale: Blood provides proteins and nutrients necessary for
egg development in many biting fly species.
,Question 4
Black fly larvae attach themselves to submerged substrates
using:
A. Claws only
B. Sticky silk pads
C. Anal hooks and silk
D. Mouth hooks
Answer: C. Anal hooks and silk
Rationale: Larvae anchor themselves to rocks and vegetation
using silk secretions and posterior hooks to withstand fast-
flowing water.
Question 5
Which Alberta habitat is most suitable for black fly larval
development?
A. Stagnant ponds
B. Flowing rivers
C. Temporary puddles
D. Marshes
, Answer: B. Flowing rivers
Rationale: Black fly larvae require oxygen-rich moving water,
unlike mosquitoes that commonly breed in standing water.
Question 6
The primary host-seeking cue used by many biting flies is:
A. Moonlight
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Magnetic fields
D. Soil moisture
Answer: B. Carbon dioxide
Rationale: Carbon dioxide released during respiration serves as
one of the strongest long-range attractants.
Question 7
Which mouthpart adaptation allows horse flies to create painful
wounds?
A. Long siphon
B. Piercing stylets
C. Cutting blade-like mouthparts
