# Deer Fly (*Chrysops spp.*) The Deer Fly is another biting fly that loves to hang out in sunny places. They are attracted to animals and people! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Forests, fields, and near water - **Also known as:** Horse Fly ![Deer Fly](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426199/objects/5518.jpg) ## Appearance The Deer Fly has striking iridescent eyes that are often patterned with green, gold, or purple bands. Its body is usually yellow-brown to dark brown with dark stripes on its abdomen. Its wings often have distinct dark patches, making it visually different from a common house fly. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Tabanidae - **Genus:** Chrysops ## Interesting facts - Deer fly larvae live in wet soil and water, hunting tiny worms and insects. - Only female deer flies bite animals to get protein for their eggs. - Some species of deer flies are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out. - Their amazing iridescent eyes are covered in beautiful patterns and stripes. ## Special abilities - **Razor Mouthparts:** Deer Fly can slice skin with its blade-like mouthparts to drink blood, a super protein boost for laying eggs. - **Target Vision:** Deer Fly has large, colorful compound eyes that help them quickly spot warm-blooded animals, their food source. - **Silent Approach:** Deer Fly can fly very quietly, allowing them to approach animals for a bite without being easily detected. - **Aquatic Nurseries:** Deer Fly lays eggs in wet soil or vegetation near water, where their larvae develop and hunt small creatures. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 15-25 mm - **Size:** 7-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-30 days - **Flight Speed:** 20 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Female deer flies drink blood for eggs, while males enjoy sweet flower nectar. - **Age differences:** Larvae are predatory, eating small invertebrates; adults feed on blood (females) or nectar (males). - **Primary Foods:** mammal blood, bird blood, nectar, honeydew - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Barn Swallow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barn-swallow) (*Hirundo rustica*) — Deer flies are a food source for these agile insect-eating birds. - **Eaten by:** [Common Green Darner](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-green-darner) (*Anax junius*) — This dragonfly often preys on deer flies in flight near water. - **Parasitizes:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Female deer flies bite deer to get blood for their egg development. - **Eats:** [Common Milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) — Male deer flies drink nectar from flowers like milkweed for energy. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Deer Fly? 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 Fly's wingspan? 15-25 mm ### How big is Deer Fly? 7-10 mm ### How long does Deer Fly live? 15-30 days ### How fast can Deer Fly fly? 20 km/h ### What does Deer Fly eat? Female deer flies drink blood for eggs, while males enjoy sweet flower nectar. ### Where is Deer Fly usually found? Forests, fields, and near water ### How does Deer Fly hunt? Ambush ## 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 Fly: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-fly)