Stung by black insect, what could it possibly be?

Amoeba · #1 (**permalink**) 29-08-2009, 06:58 PM

Does anybody have any possibilities on the identification of a black, stinging insect resembling a bluebottle in shape and size but entirely black?

The pain and appearance of the sting was comparable to that of a wasp, with swelling followed by a mild unwell feeling. This passed after sleep, leaving a less swollen red lump (hard to the touch) that faded over a couple of days.

loripo · #2 (**permalink**) 29-08-2009, 07:22 PM

Horse fly or cleg fly - the bite can be quite painful I believe.

Amoeba · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 09:36 AM

Thanks, I asked the person who was bitten and apparently it looked most likely to be a horse fly.

Pippa · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 08:31 PM

My sister was bitten by a horse fly,not nice.

loripo · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 08:39 PM

I looked this up and the advice was to go straight to a doctor if there was inflamation radiating from the area of the bite, that might indicate blood poisoning. Nasty.

Amoeba · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loripo

I looked this up and the advice was to go straight to a doctor if there was inflamation radiating from the area of the bite, that might indicate blood poisoning. Nasty.

Goodness.

Thankfully however he was fine, though he did feel a little under the weather during the night he was bitten. He was ok the next day though.

Pippa: I hope she was ok in the end.

And · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 11:21 PM

Horse fly alright - I have a faint scar on the back of my left hand from an infected horse fly bite 30 years ago. Oddly enough I saw two hovering around my door just the other day, evil things. They hoofed it when I went for the Raid.