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Deer Flies
ExploreInsects
Deer Flies
Chrysops
Deer flies are buzzing insects that love to be around animals and people. They have big eyes and can be very annoying because they bite to drink blood!
Habitat: Wetlands
Appearance
The Deer Fly has a robust body, often striped, with large, striking iridescent green or gold eyes. Its clear wings are typically marked with dark bands or patches, making it distinct from house flies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyTabanidaeGenusChrysops
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Deer flies are attracted to dark colors and even shiny surfaces like cars, mistaking them for animals.
Only female deer flies bite animals and humans; males prefer sipping sweet flower nectar!
Some deer flies have eyes that shimmer with brilliant rainbow colors, like tiny jewels!
Their larvae live hidden in wet mud or sand for up to a year, eating tiny creatures.
Special abilities
Ability
Precision Piercing
Deer Flies has scissor-like mouthparts that slice skin, helping them access blood quickly for egg development.
Ability
Silent Approach
Deer Flies can fly very quietly, allowing them to approach unnoticed by their hosts before biting.
Ability
Super Sight
Deer Flies has enormous, iridescent eyes that give them excellent vision, helping them spot hosts and avoid danger.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-25 mm
- Size
- 6-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 25 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult females need blood for eggs; males and young flies feed on sweet plant nectar.
Age differences: Larvae are aquatic predators, eating small invertebrates; adults feed on nectar or blood.
Primary Foods
- blood (mammals)
- blood (birds)
- nectar
- plant sap
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
Adult frogs prey on various insects, including deer flies.
eats
Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
Swallows catch flying insects like deer flies mid-air.
eats
Green Darner
Anax junius
Dragonflies are aerial predators of many flying insects.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Wetland
This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Vampiric
Vampiric organisms are those that obtain nutrients by feeding on the blood or bodily fluids of other animals.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a deer fly, try to stay calm and move away slowly to avoid getting bitten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deer Flies's wingspan?
15-25 mm
How big is Deer Flies?
6-12 mm
How long does Deer Flies live?
20-30 days
How fast can Deer Flies fly?
25 km/h
What does Deer Flies eat?
Adult females need blood for eggs; males and young flies feed on sweet plant nectar.
Where is Deer Flies usually found?
Wetlands
How does Deer Flies hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Deer Flies have?
6
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