Deer fly

Forests and Woodlands

Forests and Woodlands, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)

Since deer fly is a parasitic species, it does not seek traditional food sources like plants or carrion. Instead, it feeds on the blood of large mammals, particularly deer. Therefore, traditional bait food would not be effective for trapping deer fly.

The eggs of deer fly develop internally, with larval stages occurring within the female's abdomen. Immediately after birth, larvae pupate in the environment, typically in places frequented by the host such as dense underbrush or the forest floor. To find their different life stages, begin by searching the thick fur or feathered bodies of deer and large birds for the adults, as they are ectoparasites. Seek out the relatively dry and sheltered areas underneath the leaf litter or fallen logs for the pupae. Since deer fly spends most of its life tightly attached to its host or within the immediate vicinity, focusing searches in and around the habitats of potential hosts will yield the best chance of locating the various stages of this insect.

The best time to find deer fly would typically be during its active seasons, which are usually the warmer months, when their mammalian hosts are also more active and abundant.

Weather conditions that are conducive for the hosts of deer fly are usually best for finding them as well. Mild to warm temperatures and a degree of humidity may provide more favorable conditions, as extreme heat, cold, or aridity can reduce their activity.