Cleg is a noun that refers to a species of bloodsucking biting flies belonging to the Tabanidae family, commonly found in Europe. Also known as horseflies, clegs are notorious for their painful bite and aggressive feeding behavior. They have stout bodies, large compound eyes, and powerful wings, allowing them to be swift and agile in flight. These insects are typically dark-colored and have a size ranging from 1 to 2 centimeters in length.
Clegs are known to be attracted to warm-blooded animals, particularly horses, cattle, and other livestock, as they are attracted to the carbon dioxide and moisture emitted by them. They also have the ability to detect movement and body heat, which aids in their search for a suitable host. Once they have found a target, clegs use their sharp mouthparts to pierce the skin and feed on the blood of their victim. Their bites can be extremely painful, often resulting in swelling, irritation, and itchiness.
Clegs are most active during the warm summer months, when they can be a nuisance to both humans and animals, interfering with outdoor activities and causing distress to livestock. Various methods, such as insect repellents, protective clothing, and traps, can be employed to prevent clegs from biting. Despite their nuisance value, clegs serve as part of the natural ecosystem, where their larvae play a role as decomposers in water bodies.
