# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Deer Flies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Gemeine_Blindbremse_%28Chrysops_caecutiens%29_%E2%99%80%252C_Quellgebiet_der_Holzwarche_bei_M%C3%BCrringen%252C_Ostbelgien_%2852201419220%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Frank Vassen from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gemeine_Blindbremse_%28Chrysops_caecutiens%29_%E2%99%80%252C_Quellgebiet_der_Holzwarche_bei_M%C3%BCrringen%252C_Ostbelgien_%2852201419220%29.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Tabanidae - **Genus:** Chrysops ## 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 - **Precision Piercing:** Deer Flies has scissor-like mouthparts that slice skin, helping them access blood quickly for egg development. - **Silent Approach:** Deer Flies can fly very quietly, allowing them to approach unnoticed by their hosts before biting. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Vampiric](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/vampiric): Vampiric organisms are those that obtain nutrients by feeding on the blood or bodily fluids of other animals. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Deer Flies? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Bear Lake State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bear-lake-state-park) — Utah, US · State Park - [Mount Richardson Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mount-richardson-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Deer Flies: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-flies)