March flies, commonly found in wooded areas, are generally not known for their bites. Some species feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew, while others don’t feed at all during their short lifespan. These insects play an important role as pollinators in orchards and for certain types of irises and orchids source.
While March flies aren’t known to have poisonous bites, one should be cautious when interacting with insects. For instance, allergic reactions to insect venom can cause swelling, itching, or even difficulty breathing if stung inside the mouth or throat source.
March Fly Bites: Overview and Fundamentals
Species of March Flies
March flies belong to the family Bibionidae and are typically found in wooded areas. Some of them have dark gray coloring, while others have bright spots of color. They are considered important pollinators for orchards, irises, and orchids1. Commonly encountered species include:
- Deer flies
- Black flies
- Sand flies
Biting and Feeding Habits
March flies exhibit different feeding habits depending on the species. For example:
- Deer flies feed on blood, primarily from livestock2.
- Black flies bite mammals, including humans, to obtain blood3.
- Sand flies have a similar feeding pattern, biting humans and animals for blood4.
| Species | Feeding Source | Bite Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Deer flies | Livestock | Painful bites, can transmit diseases like tularemia5 |
| Black flies | Mammals | Itchy, swollen bites; can transmit diseases like river blindness6 |
| Sand flies | Humans/Animals | Painful, itchy bites; can transmit diseases like leishmaniasis7 |
However, not all March flies are known to be aggressive biters. The bites from some species, like deer flies and sand flies, can be quite painful, while bites from black flies tend to be itchy and swollen. It is important to note that March fly bites are not poisonous, but they can transmit diseases.
Are March Fly Bites Poisonous?
Venom and Chemicals Present
March flies are insects known for their painful bites. However, these bites are not generally considered poisonous. When a march fly bites, it releases saliva containing:
- Anticoagulants
- Enzymes
These chemicals help the fly during feeding but can cause itching and swelling for the person bitten.
Features of March Fly Bites:
- Painful
- Itching
- Swelling
Transmitting Diseases
Although march fly bites are not directly poisonous, some species can transmit diseases, such as:
- Tularemia (also known as rabbit fever)
- Leishmaniasis
| Diseases | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Tularemia | Fever, skin ulcers, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms | Antibiotics |
| Leishmaniasis | Skin sores, ulcers, weight loss, fever, swollen spleen, and liver | Antiparasitic drugs |
Despite the possibility of transmitting diseases, march fly bites are generally more a source of temporary discomfort, rather than long-lasting or severe health concerns.
Symptoms and Allergic Reactions
Mild Reactions
March fly bites are usually not poisonous. However, they can cause mild allergic reactions in some people. Some common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
These symptoms usually subside after a short period of time.
Severe Reactions
In rare cases, people might experience more severe allergic reactions to March fly bites. These reactions might include:
- Intense swelling
- Severe itching
- Painful welts
People with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites should be cautious and seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms.
Comparison Table: Mild vs Severe Reactions
| Symptoms | Mild Reactions | Severe Reactions |
|---|---|---|
| Itching | Yes | Yes |
| Redness | Yes | No |
| Swelling | Yes | Intense |
| Painful Welts | No | Yes |
It is important to differentiate between mild and severe reactions so that appropriate action can be taken if necessary. In case of severe reactions, medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Footnotes
- https://uwm.edu/field-station/march-fly/ ↩
- https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html ↩
- https://extension.unh.edu/resource/black-flies-fact-sheet ↩
- https://www.cdc.gov/leishmaniasis/sand-flies/index.html ↩
- https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/transmission/index.html ↩
- https://www.cdc.gov/riverblindness/index.html ↩
- https://www.cdc.gov/leishmaniasis/index.html ↩
