Insect identifier · Biting flies
How to identify a Yellow fly
Chrysops atlanticus
· Also called yellow fly, deer fly, coastal yellow fly, yellow fly florida, yellow fly bite georgia
In Florida and Georgia woods, “yellow fly” is a regional deer fly (Chrysops atlanticus): golden, persistent around the head, late spring.
In Florida and Georgia people do not say “deer fly.” They say yellow fly. Golden Chrysops, late spring woods, scalp and neck. Hats and DEET in May. It is the same painful slash as other deer flies with a regional common name. Horse flies are larger and hit legs. Mosquitoes do not do this.
What does a yellow fly look like?
Golden-yellow deer fly of southeastern coastal-plain woods. Daytime.
Yellow fly (Chrysops atlanticus) is About 8–10 mm. Colors people notice: yellow, gold, black. Field marks: Golden-yellow deer fly of southeastern woods; Persistent around the head; Daytime woods and swamp edges. It is found outdoor. If those marks are missing, open Deer fly, Horse fly before you force this name. Search phrases that belong on this page include what a yellow fly looks like and yellow fly identification.
Identification marks
- Golden-yellow deer fly of southeastern woods
- Persistent around the head
- Daytime woods and swamp edges
Size: About 8–10 mm
Colors: yellow, gold, black
Where: outdoor
What a typical yellow fly bite looks like
Sharp painful bite on scalp or neck, then a long-itching welt. Hats and long sleeves in May–June woods.
People searching “yellow fly bite identification” want the pattern, not a single anonymous bump. Sharp painful bite on the scalp or neck, then a long-itching welt. Immediate steps on this page: Wash, pressure if it bleeds, itch balm; Hat and movement to leave the swarm. This species does bite or sting people. Fever, spreading redness, trouble breathing, or a child with many stings is professional care.
If you were bitten
- Wash, pressure if it bleeds, itch balm
- Hat and movement to leave the swarm
Yellow fly vs Deer fly
Southeastern name for a golden deer fly that wrecks spring woods in Florida and Georgia. Same family as other deer flies, regional common name.
- Deer fly identification (Chrysops spp.)
- Horse fly identification (Tabanus spp.)
Range and season
Southeastern coastal plain, late spring–early summer.
Southeastern coastal-plain woods, late spring and early summer.
Southeastern coastal plain. Infamous in Florida and Georgia woods in late spring.
Late spring–early summer
Common questions
Is a yellow fly a deer fly?
Yes — a regional name for certain Chrysops, especially in the Southeast.
Worse than mosquitoes?
The bite is more painful. They do not typically come out at night.
Are they in the North?
This particular yellow fly is a Southeast coastal-plain problem. Other deer flies cover the rest of the continent.
What is a yellow fly in Florida?
Usually Chrysops atlanticus, a golden deer fly that bites the head in late-spring woods.
Yellow fly vs regular deer fly?
Yellow fly is a regional deer fly. Same painful head bite, more of a Gulf-coastal-plain common name.