Six legged bug found - anyone ID please?

nkr1971 · #1 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 09:57 AM

Hi

Found this six legged bug on my daughters face after a day out at a local park where she was playing in the grass etc. At first was worried might be a tick (my nephew has been paralyzed by a tick bite years ago) but upon some research they have 8 legs and this has 6.

It kept making itself very flat against the tissue, and some blood appeared on the tissue so it might be a blood sucker and got a bit squashed when we picked it up. It was stuck to her face and stuck very well to the tissue although I dont think it was 'sucking', maybe just very sticky feet. Its quite small (a hair and fluff on the tissue might help with size comparison!)

I would really like to know what is is, considering it was on my daughters face!

Thanks
Nicola

Monkey Orchid · #2 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 10:04 AM

Looks like something from the Louse-Fly family (Hippoboscidae). These are blood-sucking parasites on birds and mammals. Could be a Deer Fly, Lipoptena cervi, maybe? I'm no expert on these though - I'm sure someone else here more knowledgeable than me will be able to give a positive ID.

Hedera · #3 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 10:15 AM

Were there any sheep in the park? as your daughter was playing in the grass it could be what is called a sheep tick, but it's a kind of louse as above.

Jason Claxton · #4 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 10:33 AM

This is the time of year when Deerfly seem to peak,they are a problem for me in the damper mixed woodland near to my home at this time of the year.Their wings drop off when they have found their host.Jason.

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 10:38 AM

Morning Nicola, and welcome to WAB

Yes, it's a Louse-Fly, family Hippoboscidae. As for exact species, I have no idea. Well done for getting the photo, it makes IDs far easier than just descriptions! Sorry to hear about your nephew's reaction to a bite

- was it in the UK?

Take care,

Jason

Estwing · #6 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 10:43 AM

Please delete, sorry

nkr1971 · #7 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 11:03 AM

Thats it! A deerfly - Lipoptena cervi. The pics on the web are exactly the same! So glad to have found out and thanks so much for letting me know. I can stop worrying now.

She picked it up in Bushy Park, Teddington and there are no sheep but loads of deer.

My nephew got his tick bite in France when he was two and he's now nearly six. Only been diagnosed this year as Lymes Disease and has started treatment so a recovery is expected with time.

Thanks again everyone. Brilliant web site!

Nicola

Hedera · #8 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 11:11 AM

So glad you removed the louse and that it's not a serious outcome. I do hope your nephew will recover fully. Nasty beasties - L.D. was the first thing I thought of when I read your post. All good wishes.