FOOD: Blood from animals and humans;
males eat pollen and
drink nectar
PREDATORS: Birds, humans
HABITAT: Woodlands, farmlands, grasslands, swamps, beaches, parks
Photo: James Castner, University of
Florida
DESCRIPTION
Deer flies and horse flies are common pests. They
are known for their painful bites. They can spread germs from one animal to another. Only
the females suck blood.
Sometimes they swarm, with up to 100 flies feeding
on one animal. They can cause serious damage to farm animals.
They are most frequently found during hot summer
weather and in the early fall. They attack mostly during daylight hours.
Horse flies are swift and almost silent, which
helps them sneak up on their victims.
Most of North America
