WHY DO HORSEFLIES BITE PEOPLE?

PICKS FOR YOU

When the weather warms up during summer, people expose more skin to enjoy the warmth, in places such as Scotland. Horseflies take advantage and bite the legs and arms to suck blood. It is the female horseflies that suck blood and use the protein for egg laying. The male horseflies feed on pollen and nectar.

Horsefly on a green leaf
Horsefly
A horsefly against a black background
Dried Horsefly

According to Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland, the bite is very painful and results in red, fluid-filled blisters. Some victims have ended up in the hospital seeking medical attention when the wounds become infected. You can prevent horsefly bites by using insect repellants and bearing loose summer clothing. Alternatively, you can contact a pharmacist for advice on how to deal with the horsefly bites.

Horsefly larva in water
Horsefly larva
Horsefly head and eyes
Horsefly eyes

The horsefly is a hairy fly in the family of Tabanidae, order Diptera, class Insecta in the phylum Arthropoda.  The larger horseflies such as the 2.5-centimeter black horsefly belong to the genus Tabanus.  The common horsefly with brilliantly colored eyes and brown, black, or yellow bodies are members of the genus Chrysops. The deerfly native in Africa and a carrier of the diseases including anthrax and tularemia is a member of the Chrysops group.

Horseflies lay eggs on stones or plants close to water, which hatch into larvae that move around using protuberances on each body segment. The larvae feed on insect larvae and snails.

Sign up to learn about new articles!

361303_login_sign_signin_business_account_icon

Be the first to know when we post a new nuggets of wisdom on Zala Hub. Read exciting and educative articles about the natural world!

 

We respect your email privacy

RECENT POSTS

Japanese beetle on a red rose

July 9, 2018
A linyphiid Spider (female) on grey background

July 7, 2018
A killer bee on a beautiful pink flower

July 6, 2018
Flamingos are perfectly balanced on one leg and use less energy.

How are flamingos able to fall asleep on one leg?

June 11, 2017
Debilitating diseases such as dysentery, trachoma and typhoid may be spread when flies land on food or drink.

How do flies spread disease?

By Robertello Matousek

HOW DO FLIES SPREAD DISEASE? Housefly (musca domestica) Fly Based on a report by the World Health Organization, house flies,…

Read More
The larvae of African fly (Polypedilum vanderplanki) turn into a mummified condition to survive severe drought.

How do African flies survive severe drought?

By Robertello Matousek

HOW DO AFRICAN FLIES SURVIVE SEVERE DROUGHT? They survive by turning into a glassy substance, something similar to solidified sugar…

Read More

MORE ARTICLES

2 Comments

  1. Edwardo Vrana on March 13, 2019 at 6:51 am

    I’m often to blogging and i actually respect your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and hold checking for brand new information.

  2. syndromes on March 21, 2019 at 8:50 am

    Great aгticle, exactly what I wanted to find.

Leave a Comment