horsefly

Everyday

1. A horsefly is a large fly whose females bite people and animals and drink their blood. tree →
2. Its bite is painful and can swell and itch. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about insects and in summer safety talks near farms, rivers and woods. Phrases: «a horsefly bite», «bitten by a horsefly».

Examples

• A horsefly bit me by the river. tree →
• Horsefly bites really hurt. tree →
• Only female horseflies bite. tree →
• The horse swished its tail to keep the horseflies away. tree →
• Horseflies have huge, colourful eyes. tree →
• Put a cold cloth on a horsefly bite. tree →
• We saw a big horsefly buzzing round the picnic. tree →
• Horseflies like warm, damp summer days. tree →
• As he lay there unable to move, a swarm of horseflies settled on him and sucked his blood undisturbed, for he was too weak even to shake them off. tree →

Note

Plural horseflies (y to ies). Also written horse-fly or horse fly. Tell an adult if a bite gets very swollen, hot or red, since it can get infected. In Australia a similar insect is called a march fly.