Deer Fly

Chrysops

Deer Fly (Chrysops excitans) Details

Chrysops excitans is a species of fly belonging to the family Tabanidae. It is a medium-sized fly, typically measuring between 8 and 10 mm in length. It has a yellowish-brown body with a black stripe running along its back. Its distinguishing features include a pair of large eyes and a pair of long antennae. It is found in grassy areas, meadows, and woodlands, and is most active during the day. Its lifespan is typically between 2 and 4 weeks. Its current population is stable.

Name Origin: Chrysops excitans is a species of fly in the family Tabanidae. The genus name Chrysops is derived from the Greek words chrysos, meaning "golden", and ops, meaning "eye". The species name excitans is derived from the Latin word excitare, meaning "to excite". This species is known for its bright golden eyes, which is likely the source of its name.

Related Species: Chrysops silacea, Chrysops viduatus, Chrysops dimidiata, Chrysops septentrionalis

Chrysops excitans scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Diptera

Class: Insect

Order: Diptera

Family: Tabanidae

Genus: Diptera

Species: Fly

Understanding the Deer Fly habitat

Chrysops excitans lives in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands. They prefer areas with plenty of sunlight and a moderate amount of moisture. They are often found near streams, ponds, and other bodies of water. They are also attracted to areas with plenty of vegetation, such as shrubs and trees. They are often seen in the company of other animals, such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They are also known to share their habitat with other insects, such as butterflies and moths. They are active during the day and can be seen flying around in search of food.

Native country: Africa, Asia.

Native continent: They are found in Africa.

Other organisms found in habitat: Grasshoppers, Beetles, Moths, Butterflies, Trees, Shrubs, Grasses

Physical characteristics of the Chrysops excitans

Appearance Summary: Chrysops excitans is a species of fly that is commonly known as the deer fly. It has a yellowish-brown body with a pattern of dark stripes and spots. Its wings are patterned with dark and light bands and its eyes are bright green. It has a long proboscis which is used to feed on the blood of its hosts. It also has a pair of long antennae and a pair of short, stout legs. The deer fly is a fast-flying insect and is capable of hovering in mid-air.

Facial description: Chrysops excitans has a yellowish-brown head and thorax, with a black abdomen. Its face is marked with a pair of large, bulging eyes, and a pair of long antennae. Its wings are transparent and have a yellowish-brown tint. Its legs are yellowish-brown and have a black stripe running down the middle. Its body is covered in short, yellowish-brown hairs.

What are the distinct features of Deer Fly? Flight, Long antennae, Metallic green and blue coloration, Buzzing sound, Feeds on nectar, Pollinates flowers, Active during the day

What makes them unique?

Deer Fly body color description: Chrysops excitans are commonly known as the green-eyed fly. They have a metallic green body and bright green eyes.

skin type: The Chrysops excitans has a smooth, glossy exterior with a metallic sheen. Its body is covered in a thin layer of short, fine hairs that give it a velvety texture.

Strengths: Camouflage, Flight, Nocturnal Activity, Ability to Bite

Weaknesses: Susceptible to desiccation, Poor dispersal ability, Limited host range, Low reproductive rate

Common Deer Fly behavior

Chrysops excitans behavior summary: Chrysops excitans, commonly known as deer flies, are active during the day and are known for their aggressive behavior. They are strong fliers and can be seen hovering around their prey before landing and biting. They have a unique way of walking, using their front legs to pull themselves forward and their hind legs to push. They are also known to hide in tall grass and other vegetation to ambush their prey. When threatened, they will buzz around their attacker and bite them. They are also known to interact with other organisms in their environment, such as other deer flies, by forming swarms.

How do they defend themselves? Chrysops excitans, commonly known as the deer fly, defends itself from attacks by biting its predators. It has a sharp proboscis that it uses to pierce the skin of its attackers and inject a toxin that causes pain and irritation. It also has a pair of large eyes that help it to detect potential predators and flee from them.

How do Deer Fly respond to stimuli in their environment? Visual, Chemical, Acoustic

Are they a fight or flight organism? Flight

How do Deer Fly gather food? Chrysops excitans, commonly known as deer flies, are a species of fly that hunt by sight. They need a source of protein to survive, which they get by feeding on the blood of mammals, including humans. To hunt, they use their large eyes to spot their prey and then fly quickly towards them. They face challenges such as avoiding predators and finding a suitable host to feed on.

How do Deer Fly communicate in their environment? They use a variety of methods to communicate with other organisms, such as pheromones, visual signals, and sound. They also use chemical signals to detect the presence of other organisms in their environment. They can also use vibrations to communicate with other organisms in their vicinity.

Examples: They use visual signals, such as wing flapping, to communicate with other Chrysops excitans;They use chemical signals, such as pheromones, to communicate with other Chrysops excitans;They use sound signals, such as buzzing, to communicate with other Chrysops excitans

How does the Deer Fly get territorial? Staking out territory, Defending territory, Chasing away intruders

Diet and Predators

Diet Summary: Chrysops excitans feeds on a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and moths. It also consumes nectar from flowers and other plant material. Toxic and unhealthy foods for this organism include pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.

Predators: Chrysops excitans, commonly known as deer flies, are threatened by a variety of predators, including birds, spiders, and other insects. Environmental changes, such as changes in temperature, humidity, and vegetation, can also have a negative impact on their population growth. In addition, the spread of diseases and parasites can also reduce their numbers.

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pesticides, Disease, Parasites, Predators, Climate Change

Life cycle & population of the Chrysops excitans & Diptera

Life cycle: Chrysops excitans reproduces by laying eggs in the soil. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on plant material and other organic matter. The larvae then pupate and emerge as adults. Adults feed on nectar and other plant material, and mate. The female then lays eggs in the soil, completing the life cycle.

Average offspring size: 4.5-7.5 cm

Most common health issues: Respiratory Issues, Skin Irritation, Allergic Reactions, Eye Irritation

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pesticides, Disease, Parasites, Predators, Climate Change

Common diseases that threaten the Deer Fly population: Malaria, Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Loiasis, River Blindness, African Eye Worm

Population: Chrysops excitans population has been decreasing since the early 2000s, with the lowest population recorded in 2018. The population peaked in the late 1990s, with the highest population recorded in 1998. In the last ten years, the population has decreased from a high of 8,000 in 2009 to a low of 1,000 in 2018.

Deer Fly Environment

How do Deer Fly adapt to their environment Chrysops excitans, commonly known as the deer fly, is an insect that has adapted to its environment by developing a strong set of wings that allow it to fly quickly and efficiently. This allows it to quickly locate its prey, which is usually deer, and feed on their blood. This adaptation is beneficial to the deer fly as it allows it to survive in its environment and reproduce. An example of this adaptation in action is when a deer fly is seen buzzing around a deer in a field, quickly darting in and out to feed on its blood.

What's their social structure? Chrysops excitans, commonly known as deer flies, are a species of fly found in many parts of the world. They are a part of the food chain, as they feed on the blood of mammals, including humans. They are also a source of food for other animals, such as birds. They live in large family groups, and interact with each other in a hierarchical manner. The female deer flies are the dominant members of the family, and they are responsible for the protection and care of the young. The males are subordinate to the females, and they are responsible for finding food and defending the family. The young are the lowest members of the family, and they are dependent on the adults for protection and nourishment.

How would you describe their survival instincts? They have a strong survival instinct, responding to stimuli in their environment by quickly flying away from potential threats. They also have a keen sense of smell, which helps them detect food sources and predators. They are also able to detect changes in temperature and humidity, allowing them to adjust their behavior accordingly.