Horsefly bite caught on camera
A horsefly eyes up its prey, sinks its teeth into its victim, and draws blood.
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This remarkable picture taken by a Star reader captures the discomfort many of us have been experiencing over the past few months.
Amateur photographer Matthew Perry captured the moment on camera when he was bitten by a horsefly in a village close to the Shropshire border.
The 31-year-old managed to grab his camera after the fly landed on his at his home in Codsall.
Experts say that the recent warm weather, which follows a wet winter, has created a surge in the number of horseflies, midges and mosquitos.
Mr Perry said he had noticed an increase in the insects lately.
"People should be warned that they give a nasty bite and can cause allergic reactions," he said.
Richard Moseley of the British Pest Contorl Association said horseflies bites were particularly painful as they had teeth designed to cut through the hides of horses and cattle.
"Other biting insects such as mosquitos will tend to anaesthetise the area around the bite first, but with horseflies the pain can be quite extreme."
National Trust entomologist Matthew Oates said: "This is a very bad year for biters. The water table is high, thanks to the winter's rain.
"The conditions have created a perfect storm for biting insects. The midges, horseflies and mosquitos are having a fantastic time biting us and all our mammal friends."
