Deer Fly has crazy eyes!
Location: Fairfield, Maine USA
August 13, 2010 3:47 pm
Dear Bugman,
I got a close up of a Deer Fly resting on a plant. I never had looked at one for long enough to see their strikingly colored eyes. Usually whenever I see them they are bombarding my head! I wonder why this one was not attacking? Do they only go for mammal at certain times of their life?
Thank you,
James R
Hi Again James,
We are ignoring some of our other submissions to post so many of your lovely photos, but it is also true that Deer Flies are not well represented on our site. We believe your Deer Fly is in the genus Chrysops. It is amusing that BugGuide posts instructions for 4 specific views that should be taken of each individual Deer Fly to ensure correct identification. Can you call the fly back to take some additional photos?
Thanks Daniel!
Unfortunately I have had no luck calling the fly back for another shoot. I will get more if I ever see
one again that is not attacking me.
Best wishes,
James