Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Diptera

Family: Tabanidae

                                                                                Yellow fly

    Yellow flies are yellow-bodied biting flies that typically have black stripes and wings and have a tan colored patch. 
There are many different species of what is commonly known as the "yellow fly" in Florida. However, only one species
 is recognized as the "true" yellow fly by Florida tabanid experts: Diachlorus ferrugatus. The "yellow fly season" in Florida
 is from March through November. They have 4 stages of their lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The eggs resemble tar 
specks and are found in masses (50-300 eggs) around ponds, streams, swamps and overhanging vegetation (ex. grasses and cattails). 

    The eggs will hatch in approximately 5-12 days depending on environmental conditions and larvae will drop into the water or 
mud where they will feed on organic matter or tiny aquatic organisms. After developing into a mature larva  they then migrate 
into drier soils to continue developing into a pupa. When the pupae emerge into adults the females seek a blood meal. 
Additionally, yellow fly adults like shaded and fairly humid areas and tend to congregate around the edges of forests, along 
rivers and creeks.   

    Some people experience an allergic reaction to the yellow fly bite so it is important to take such precautions as covering your
 skin when outdoors, avoid shaded areas and outdoor activity during early morning and late evening hours.

                                                                  Yellow Fly Trap

This trapping device is used to reduce the number of yellow flies in the vicinity of a fly breeding area. 
Below is a list of materials to use and instructions for constructing the yellow fly trap.

Materials

20" inflatable beach ball (available at WalMart, Kmart etc.)

10"of ¾ inch PVC or 10" of 1" x 2" wood strip

Glossy black spray paint

String

Glue

Construction

1.     Inflate the beach ball.

2.     Assemble the inverted L-shaped stand using PVC or wood strips.

(The upright portion of the stand is 6" high with 2 " inserted into the ground. The remaining 2" serves as the right-angled support. The ball may also be hung from a tree, but beneath the canopy.)

3.     Paint the ball glossy black and allow the paint to completely dry.

4.     Tie the string to the inflation tube on the ball and suspend it from the angled support or tree branch.

5.     Snip the corner from the plastic glue bag and squeeze the contents on the top of the ball.

6.     Wearing disposable plastic gloves, or using a paintbrush, spread the glue evenly over the ball. (Avoid skin contact. Use mineral spirits to remove any glue that inadvertently comes in contact with the skin.)

Trap Location

The glue ball should be located underneath the tree canopy to take advantage of the yellow flies' preference for shade. Balls hung in the open will not collect as effectively as balls in the shade.

Trap Timing

Yellow flies emerge early in May and are gone by mid-June. Trapping should be done in this time period. Once the nuisance has decreased, the trap should be removed. You may do this by puncturing the ball with a sharp object, then carefully, slide the ball into a plastic garbage bag. Dispose of the bag as you would normally with any household waste.

Keep in mind

When a food source (you) is nearby, the flies will go for the food not the decoy. Avoid going outdoors without repellants or appropriate clothing.