Twin-lobed Deerfly

It was hot and sticky at Orton Pit, where Chris and I were working this afternoon, perfect weather for the Twin-lobed Deerflies, who were constantly buzzing round us, looking for an unguarded spot to sink in their saw-like mouth parts and suck our blood. Their only saving grace is that they're quite slow and ponderous, so can usually be brushed off before they've done the wicked deed. I was only bitten once, when I was engrossed in watching a beetle. Over the years we've both been bitten many times and no longer seem to react to the toxin they inject. Despite their unsavoury habits, I do think they're rather beautiful, and enjoyed watching this one carefully cleaning her mouth parts.