Fauna
Insect

Variegated Deer Fly

Chrysops variegatus

Variegated deer flies are swift, agile flyers renowned for their brilliant iridescent compound eyes patterned in vivid green and gold hues. Females require mammalian blood to produce viable eggs, actively targeting cattle, horses, and humans using scissor-like mouthparts to slice skin and lap pool blood. Males, in contrast, lack biting mouthparts entirely and spend their short lives sipping floral nectar in humid wetlands.

WetlandDiurnalIridescent
Variegated Deer Fly reference1 / 2
(c) Johannes S., some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFloral Nectar, Honeydew, Mammalian Blood
Predators
  • Dragonflies
  • Robber Flies
  • Barn Swallows
ThreatsWetland draining, habitat fragmentation, and broad-spectrum pesticide use
HabitatsMarshes, forested swamps, riverbanks, and humid pastures
Life span1 to 2 years (mostly spent as larvae; adults live 3 to 4 weeks)
Classification
  1. OrderDiptera
  2. FamilyTabanidae
  3. GenusChrysops
  4. SpeciesChrysops variegatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Females inflict a painful, piercing bite when seeking blood; wear repellent and long clothing near wetland edges.
Responsible observation
  • Deter Bites: Wear light-colored clothing and insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin when hiking near marsh borders.
  • Observe Eyes: Use a macro lens or binoculars to examine the iridescent compound eyes while the fly rests on vegetation.
  • Timing: Look for adults active during warm, humid sunny mornings along forest edges.
Related species
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Mystic Meadows

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