Chrysops
Meigen, 1803
Deer flies, Yellow flies, June flies, Three corner flies, Stouts
Species Guides
66- Chrysops abatus(deer fly)
- Chrysops aberrans(Wandering Deer Fly)
- Chrysops aestuans(Furious Deer Fly)
- Chrysops asbestos(Shining Deer Fly)
- Chrysops ater(Dark Deer Fly)
- Chrysops atlanticus(Atlantic Deer Fly)
- Chrysops beameri(deer fly)
- Chrysops bishoppi
- Chrysops brimleyi(deer fly)
Chrysops is a of bloodsucking flies in the Tabanidae, commonly known as deer flies. The genus contains approximately 250 distributed worldwide except for Iceland, Greenland, and Hawaii. Females are significant pests of mammals, including humans and livestock, due to their painful bites and ability to transmit .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chrysops: //ˈkrɪs.ɒps//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Larvae develop in or near water, requiring moist or wetland environments. are laid on vegetation near water or damp areas. are active in open, sunny .
Distribution
Worldwide distribution; absent from Iceland, Greenland, and Hawaii. Records exist from North America, South America (Colombia), Europe, and other regions.
Seasonality
emerge in late spring and summer. Active during direct sunshine and when temperatures exceed 22°C (71.6°F).
Diet
Females feed on blood from mammals, requiring blood meals for production. Males collect pollen and do not blood-feed. Larvae feed on small aquatic organisms or decaying organic matter.
Life Cycle
are laid in batches of 100–800 on vegetation near water. Larval stage lasts one to three years, spent in or near aquatic environments. occurs before . Complete with distinct egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Behavior
Females locate using visual cues, carbon dioxide detection, body heat, movement, and dark colors. They are attracted to lights at night. Feeding involves scissor-like and that create a cross-shaped incision for blood-feeding. Active primarily during daytime in warm, sunny conditions.
Ecological Role
Larvae contribute to nutrient cycling in wetland through consumption of organic matter. serve as prey for nest-building , , , and birds such as killdeer. Females function as and .
Human Relevance
Significant pests due to painful bites and transmission of including , anthrax, anaplasmosis, equine infectious anemia, hog cholera, and . Anti-coagulants in saliva can cause severe allergic reactions. DEET is ineffective as a repellent. Control is difficult due to wetland larval ; protective clothing and trapping devices are recommended management strategies.
More Details
Etymology
The name derives from Ancient Greek χρυσός (chrysós), meaning gold, referring to the coloration of the .