Deerfly

Deerfly — Deer flies (Chrysops spp.) are flies of the family Tabanidae that can be pests of cattle, horses, and humans.

Deer flies are similar to horse-flies, being smaller, having coloured eyes, and with dark bands across their wings. While female deer flies feed on blood, males instead collect pollen. When feeding, females use their knife-like mandibles and maxillae to make a cross-shaped incision and then lap up the blood. They are potential vectors of tularemia and loa loa filariasis.

The bite becomes painful immediately. The best way to treat a bite is with alcohol to prevent infection.

They are often found in damp environments, such as wetlands or forests.

The flies also carry a disease called Phototiasindominosis. This disease in only found where there is AIDS in Africa. Scientific tests are still being run to determine if AIDS and Phototiasindominosis are connected.