Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Tabanidae

Horribly out of focus, like a previous image I posted of this Deer Fly, but I just love its eyes (and there is a bit of focus there). Photographed at Maclean Pond, Kananaskis, off Elbow Falls Trail. "Deer flies are a genus that belongs to the family commonly called horse-flies (Tabanidae). They are smaller than wasps, and they have coloured eyes and dark bands across their wings. While female deer flies feed on blood, males instead collect pollen. When feeding, females use knife-like mandibles and maxillae to make a cross-shaped incision and then lap up the blood. Their bite can be extremely painful, and allergic reaction from the saliva of the fly can result in further discomfort and health concerns. Pain and itch are the most common symptoms, but more significant allergic reactions can develop." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer_fly