![]() | A request that this article title be changed to Deer fly is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
Chrysopsinae | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Chrysops | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Diptera |
Family: | Tabanidae |
Subfamily: | Chrysopsinae Lutz, 1905 |
Tribes | |
| |
Synonyms | |
|
Chrysopsinae is an insect subfamily in the family Tabanidae commonly known as deer flies or sheep flies and are bloodsucking insects considered pests to humans and cattle. [3] They are large flies with large brightly-coloured compound eyes, and large clear wings with dark bands. [4] They are larger than the common housefly and smaller than the horse-fly. [5] [6]
Deer flies lay between 100 and 800 eggs in batches on vegetation near water or dampness. During the larval stage, which lasts one to three weeks, they feed on small creatures or rotting organic matter near or in the water. [3] After a pupal stage, they emerge as adults in late spring and summer. While male deer flies collect pollen, female deer flies feed on blood, which they require to produce eggs. [7] Females feed primarily on mammals. They are attracted to prey by sight, smell, or the detection of carbon dioxide. Other attractants are body heat, movement, dark colours, and lights in the night. They are active under direct sunshine and hours when the temperature is above 22 °C (71.6°). [7] When feeding, the females use scissor-like mandibles and maxillae to make a cross-shaped incision and then lap up the blood. Their bite can be painful. Anti-coagulants in the saliva of the fly prevents blood from clotting and may cause severe allergic reactions. Parasites and diseases transmitted by the deer fly include tularemia, anthrax, anaplasmosis, equine infectious anemia, hog cholera, and filiariasis. DEET is not an effective repellent. [4]
Predators of the deer fly (and other Tabanidae) include nest-building wasps and hornets, dragonflies, and some birds, including the killdeer. Deer flies are difficult to control because insecticides cannot be applied in the sensitive wetlands where their larvae typically develop. Additionally, adults may have developed a significant distance from where the eggs were laid. [4] Trapping devices and protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and hats, can help avoid the annoyance and bites of aggressive deer flies.
These 33 genera belong to the subfamily Chrysopsinae: [8]
Silvius is a genus of flies in the family Tabanidae.
Superfamily Tabanoidea are insects in the order Diptera.
Haematopota is a genus of flies in the horse-fly family, Tabanidae. Among the horse-flies, they are most commonly known as clegs. Many species have colorful, sinuously patterned eyes in life, a character that fades after death. The wings are typically patterned with spots of grey. The genus is named from the Ancient Greek for blood-drinker: αἷμα, haîma, blood; πότης, pótës, drinker. Some species are known to be vectors of livestock diseases.
Tabaninae is a subfamily in the family Tabanidae commonly known as horse flies. There are more than 3000 described species in Tabaninae.
Atylotus is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.
Philoliche is a genus of long-tongued Horse-flies found in the Old World. It appears to be the sole member of tribe Philolichini.
Pangoniinae is a subfamily of Horse-flies in the order Diptera, containing at least four tribes and 24 genera.
Scionini is a tribe of horse and deer flies in the family Tabanidae.
Chrysopsini is a tribe of horse and deer flies in the family Tabanidae.
Cydistomyia is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.
Bouvieromyiini is a tribe of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.
Rhinomyzini is a tribe of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.
Sphecodemyia is a genus of flies in the family Tabanidae.
Mackerrasia is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.
Oldroydiella is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.
Tabanocella is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.
Aegophagamyia is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.
Rhigioglossa is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae.