This deer fly is approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm) in length. Flies in this genus are typically smaller than horse flies. The large, segmented antennae are tan at the base and black at the tip. The eyes are usually spotted. The female’s eyes are separated and the male’s eyes touch on top of the head. The thorax is tan with brown longitudinal stripes. The abdomen is tan with black bands. The wings are cloudy with large, dark blotches.
These flies are presumed to be fairly common. Only the females bite. The males take nectar at flowers, but they are rarely seen.
There are about 80 species of Chrysops in North America. The eggs are laid on vegetation overhanging water or wet soil. The larvae live mostly in water or wet mud and are predatory on other insects and worms. The pupae are usually found in the soil.
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