How the fly lost its wings
Photos: Arne Ader
Translation: Liis
Deer fly.
| Deer fly |
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The deer flies have made themselves seen and felt in the forest for some weeks now. But the great scourge period has only started. The creatures hatch in masses in the beginning of autumn. They are poor flyers and, having emerged from the pupas, use their wings only to fly to a nearby plant or bush. There they stay, waiting for a “host animal”; when the victim has been chosen the wings are used for the last time, and the flies then burrow into hiding in the host’s fur. At the same time the wings are broken off – there is no need for them any longer. Living in an elk’s fur one must endure all sorts of things like being scrubbed against tree trunks, rolled in mud, and whatever else. To hold on to the fur cover it helps to have long legs equipped with serrated claws and hairs on a body with an otherwise smooth chitin exoskeleton. Quite clearly showing in the photo.
These biting deer flies, what do they need the host’s blood for? As usual: for feeding the next generation. The bite spot, where the deer fly sucked blood mixed with spit, swells up and itches unpleasantly. We can use a comb, and shake out our clothes. If things get too bad, we can beat a retreat from the forest ... But being a fur-coated forest resident is no pleasure in autumn
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Deer fly on host.
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