Pretty fly, but OUCH!

ollyk · #1 (**permalink**) 23-07-2006, 09:51 PM

Hi, I was busy getting use to my new camera (coolpix 8700) today in the garden when this unusual fly starts to show some interest in me.... When it rested on my hand (It had to be my shooting hand!) I thought 'Nice one, I can take a snap now'. The picture taking was rather restricted however as a small needle-like pain started to eminate within the area of the fly

He was a determined git as well and as I shook him off - he was swinging round hanging off his 'needle'. Anyway for all my troubles I would like to know what he is as my collins guide doesn't *appear* to feature such species!

I have to say the eyes and speckled abdomen really seem quite exotic!

gmsmith · #2 (**permalink**) 23-07-2006, 09:58 PM

Hi Ollyk, can't help with the ID but thanks for the tipoff

, good pic should be quite easy to recognise if I see one................. and head for the hills. By the way, a warm and sounds like a painfull welcome to WAB

.

Geoff

Gill Catton · #3 (**permalink**) 23-07-2006, 09:58 PM

Think it's some kind of horsefly oherwise known as...eEEEeeeevvvvvviiiilllllllllllllllllllllll:mad :

Chalk Downlanders · #4 (**permalink**) 23-07-2006, 10:31 PM

Yes it's a horsey. Look at those eyes, it's a dead give away. A recent post showed one of them.

kev

glsammy · #5 (**permalink**) 23-07-2006, 10:38 PM

Evil little things..If you let them settle for more than a second, they'll have you!

ollyk · #6 (**permalink**) 23-07-2006, 11:28 PM

Thanks for the help folks, think I narrowed this species down to Haematopota pluvialis
Think it was worth the jab for the piccy, although I have just read Horse flies can transmit Anthrax

I best keep an eye on the jab mark!

BTW can I update the Gallery entry with now known species and search words etc...?

jdoherty · #7 (**permalink**) 24-07-2006, 12:32 AM

In Ireland we have flys very much like this which we call 'Clegs'. I've seen and photographed them often and have the nasty bites on my arms and face to prove it. You never feel them land on your skin but you sure feel it when they bite. I've still got marks on my arms from bites over two weeks old. They do, however, have amazingly coloured eyes.

bugbotherer · #8 (**permalink**) 24-07-2006, 11:50 AM

Yes and all those lovely eyed biters are females.............

To quote another WAB member (and add a bit)

"The female is more deadly then the male"
by its mouthparts you will be bitten
even if those eyes have you smitten

Horrendous doggerel for which i can only appologise
Bugbotherer