Ozark Critters - Horsefly Eggs
These are horsefly eggs! My daughters and I found them next to the Jacks Fork River on a sycamore leaf. When the eggs hatch, six days after they are laid, the larvae will fall into the water or onto the wet ground.
Clusters of eggs can reach 1,000 if laid on rocks or plants growing in the water.
When ready to pupate in about a year, the larvae move to drier land. After two weeks, the adults emerge.
Adult female horseflies bite. They don't sting, they bite. It hurts. The females feed on the blood of mammals. They can transmit disease. It is best to clean a horsefly bite and see a doctor if it becomes infected.
I think the pain of slapping yourself is totally worth smashing a horsefly. They're one of the few insects I hate. Anyway, thanks for looking and stay tuned for more Ozark Critters!
Dang horseflies! Hope you found a place to destroy all those eggs!
At the time I didn't have an ID for them so I just left the leave where I found it. Haha!
Kill them with fire!!! What purpose does a horsefly have other than biting, annoying, and spreading disease? Is there a reason for their existence?
Darn! But now you know, for future encounters!!
Interesting.
Cool looking eggs. I've been looking for some eggs to photograph but have not found any. (other than the ones in the kitchen)
I'm with you on the biting lil menaces... they're flippin' vicious!