'Tis the Season
Swarms of deerflies can be a major distraction along the coast from mid-spring to late summer. Deerflies are attracted to moving objects such as cattle, cars, and birdwatchers. They fly to the top of the object and, if it's alive, stick their sharp mouthparts into it and suck its blood. This is painful (and later itchy), but the really unpleasant part for me is their knack for zeroing in on eyes and ears, and on exposed hands that are trying to hold and focus binoculars. Birding can be difficult when deerflies are around.
There's been debate about the degree of protection needed against deerflies, ranging from none to nuclear, and whether physical or chemical barriers are best. I personally believe in extreme measures, usually physical, to stay comfortable during peak deerfly season. Being able to stand motionless in a cloud of deerflies is a major plus in my book.
If they weren't so frustrating, these insects would be pretty fascinating. Gayle and Jeanell Strickland have some amazing scans of of deerflies at:
As you can see, deerflies are beautiful animals.
However, if your idea of beauty doesn't include bloodsucking dipterans, Russell Mizell, University of Florida entomologist, came up with a clever trick for reducing deerfly numbers. Be sure to see his page at:
Don't be surprised if you see someone wearing a blue cup on his head next time you go birding.
Photo above by Dave Patton
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