This article was originally published on Critter Science.

There are approximately 600 species, 34 genera, in 9 families of scorpionfly the world over. But what do they do? Do they sting? Are they a threat? With the male’s raised and curled tail, they resemble a scorpion, but are they as ominous as the famed arachnids? These insects are […]

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This article was originally published on Critter Science.

The horse fly, aka deer fly (misnomer) or gadfly, can be found all over the world, sans a few select islands and the polar regions. Female horse flies can transfer blood-borne diseases from 1 animal to another via their feeding habit. In locations where those diseases occur, they have been […]

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This article was originally published on Critter Science.

Feared by insects the world over, it’s the robber fly. These little winged assassins can be found just about everywhere, but are particularly fond of arid and sunny climates. Their name is derived from their habit of attacking, primarily, other insects. But they sometimes attack humans and pets. Due to […]

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This article was originally published on Critter Science.

The common fruit fly is not only a pest insect but also used extensively in laboratory research. So, don’t discard them just yet. Fruit flies can be found on every continent, sans Antarctica. There are approximately 1,500 known species of fruit flies. Each 1 a little different than the other. […]

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This article was originally published on Critter Science.

The biting midge, aka no-see-ums, punkies, midgies, or sandflies, are a nuisance the world over. with over 4,000 known species of these annoying critters, there are plenty to go around… and drink your blood. The midge pierces your skin with her proboscis mouth parts and pumps saliva into the fresh […]

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This article was originally published on Critter Science.

Oops! Left the door open again and here comes the housefly. Typically not 1 but many. These creatures have been around for about 65 million years. They aren’t going anywhere any time soon. As long as there are animals and humans around. Yet, as annoying as they are, they are […]

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This article was originally published on Critter Science.

It’s not a ginormous mosquito, it’s a crane fly. These large flying insects have gained popularity by being called mosquito hawks, due to the misconception that they hunt mosquitoes. They are also called daddy long legs, in Europe. These insects are more closely related to flies than mosquitoes though. There […]

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