PGF Leaf #21 - Deer fly Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Each of the geocaches in the PGF Leaf series will highlight an animal that can be found in the Starkey Wilderness Preserve. While searching for the PGF Leaf caches, and while hiking in any wilderness area, please remember ... this is the animal's home - you are merely a guest. Be respectful of natural communities, and leave nothing behind but footprints.
Cachers are invited to upload pictures they take of each animal subject - as long as the picture was actually taken within the boundaries of the Starkey Wilderness Park.
Deer fly
Sometimes we wish that deer flies were not part of nature's plan. They can be a real nuisance while hiking on hot summer days near wetland areas in Starkey Park.
Deer flies are biting insects - smaller than horse flies - that feed on warm-blooded animals like humans. Females are the ones that bite, using sharp mandibles to make a cross shaped incision and then lapping up the blood. The bite can be painful, and the saliva of the fly can cause an allergic reaction that is itchy and painful.
The deer fly has dark bands across its body and wings, and is distinguishable by its patterned gold or green eyes. Predators of the deer fly include some types of wasps and hornets, dragonflies, and birds.
This cache was placed by a member of the PGF Leaf team and is maintained by the WestPascoEventTeam
The PGF Leaf Project is a geocaching series placed with the cooperation and permission of Pasco County Parks & Recreation Department, Pasco Department of Tourism, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Additional Hints
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