The Moose Fly

This is by far one of the most horrendous bugs I've encountered recently.  The caliber of "yuck" we're dealing with is comparable to earwigs, maggots, or centipedes. The moose fly is guaranteed to make your skin crawl. I promise I will do everything I can to prevent a hitchhiker accompanying me to Canada.

They sit and wait on a bush for a tasty specimen (such as it's namesake, the moose. Otherwise other victims include reindeer and humans). With sight of the first proximal passerby they hop on, drop their wings and make camp. Not only do they bite, helping themselves to a seemingly endless supply of blood, but they also mate on their host. I believe, however, that their eggs are laid on the forest floor (or wherever the poor sucker lays down for a rest). 

on the run

The first indication that a moose fly has selected you for it's home is the unforgettable sensation of it's exploration of your scalp. Once you notice that there's something crawling around up there, the instinctual pinch does nothing. They have incredibly effective claws which inevitably lead to a panic inducing struggle (and potential hair loss). 

I found this one crawling around in the morning while brushing my hair. Even showers don't scare these suckers away. The reality of a morning discovery is not something I'm ready to fully acknowledge and instead I am comforted by the fact that we have returned to Sodankyla which seems to be too far north for these bastards to call home.