Horseflies

[Geoff F]

The Cleg Horseflies can be a real pest at times. I always think it is a pity that something so attractive can cause such problems.



Then, yesterday, I found one of the Dark Giant Horseflies which at around an inch in length is twice the size of a cleg.



Fortunately, they mostly get their blood supply from farm animals instead of people.

[Astro]

Geoff, beautiful images I have only managed to photograph the male Cleg so far and none this season yet. But I have been lucky this season and swatted away about half a dozen before they had time to settle... they are attractive, but I would rather not be electrocuted when they strike!

Have never seen a Giant Dark but live in hope... I think

[lesno1]

Nasty things Geoff great shots though

[ST1]

Nasty things Geoff great shots though

Nasty things Geoff great shots though

I agree with this^
I've been on the receiving end of their nastiness !



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[Geoff F]

Yes, some people can react very badly to horsefly bites. Before the discovery of antibiotics they could prove fatal if a serious infection resulted from the bite.

[DanK]

In parts of the US, some biting flies are called "deer flies" rather than horseflies, but I don't know if that reflects a difference in the species or the fact that deer are much more common in those areas than horses. Here are two shots of them. I don't know whether the difference in the eye coloration is a species difference or a gender difference.

The rounded surface is my knee, which that one (obviously, a female) was preparing to bite.

[Astro]

Dan, you have more nerve than me... I presumehaving got your shot you swiped quickly

They are not the fastest of fliers but definitely make up for it in stealth.

[DanK]

And persistence.nothing gets rid of them once they find you.


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[Geoff F]

We do get a family of horseflies in the UK which are commonly known as Deer Flies (Chrysops) but I haven't seen any so far this year. Very attractive markings.

They typically sit with their wings partly open in a delta shape and appear to be attracted to dark objects including camera bags and parked cars. Several times I have been photographing something else then noticed one perched on top of my flash unit.

Generally, they prefer cattle to human blood and I have never been bitten by them.