insect identity

[Matheous]

Can anyone identify the insect which targets the eyes while I am cutting grass? It's obvious that my activity is destroying it's environment so it launches itself at your face-usually the eyes....

[Cetti]

You haven't given a description of the insect Matheous, making identification almost impossible.....but there is one that looks horrific and is known to dive near faces is the Robber Fly. Very common where I live (East Dorset)

[Matheous]

Sorry I can't give a description as I have never actually seen the culprit as I'm usually too busy trying to swat it away from my eyes. I'm guessing it's smaller than a common housefly-but larger than a midge. I thought maybe someone might recognise the characteristic behaviour rather than visually.

The Robber Fly sounds interesting.....I will try a Google image search. Thanks for your interest & response Cetti.

[Cetti]

This is the Robber Fly.

I took this last year when we first moved as I had never seen a fly looking like this before! Our sun lounge is now full of the little beauties. To give you an idea of their size they are roughly 14 - 20mm. Cute, eh?

http://i35.tinypic.com/7080i0.jpg

[Matheous]

Thanks for the pic -but I don't think this is quite as big.....but next time I will try to get a visual on it.....

[gt43]

It's a midge or a mozzie. It's not targetting your eyes - nothing as dramatic as that, so stop panicking. If anything they're just attracted to the pulse around your head and ears. Wear some insect repellant, and get a grip on your imagination (or become the next Alfred Hitchcock!)

[snagged]

Many biting insects (mosquitoes, midges, horseflies, etc.) are attracted to the CO2 in your breath.

[Matheous]

Based on past experience this is not a midge- the impact is too great and it only happens when I've left the grass to become too long. This beast seems hell-bent on stopping me from destroying its habitat. Believe me -in Scotland we know something about midges!

[gen2]

I was just about to ask where in the world you are but you have now given that in your last post . I too am in Scotland (Fife) and have never come across anything with behaviour matching what you describe.

As others have stated, I am not aware of ANY UK insect that targets the eyes. As has already been stated, CO2 is an attractant for many bloodsuckers.

[Matheous]

Well gen2 I wonder now if it is the 'Robber Fly' of which I know nothing......