Louse fly (also known as Deer ked)

Natural Habitat

Woodlands, forests, and grassy areas frequented by wild hosts such as deer or elk.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate blood-feeders: both males and females feed on the blood of mammals or birds.

Behavior Patterns

They are external parasites. Upon finding a suitable host, they often shed their wings and crawl through hair or feathers to feed and mate.

Risks & Benefits

Pests to wildlife and livestock; can bite humans, which may cause itchy welts or allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit major human diseases but are a nuisance.

Identified on: 6/30/2026