Louse fly (also known as Deer ked)

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

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

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

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.