The notch-horned cleg (Haematopota pluvialis) is a small, stealthy species of horsefly, easily recognized by its pale, brownish-grey mottled wings that fold like a roof over its body. Its most striking feature, however, is its pair of horizontally banded, iridescent eyes that shimmer with mesmerizing colors. The name “cleg” has deep roots, tracing back to the Old Norse word kleggi, meaning horsefly. While males are completely harmless nectar-feeders, females require blood to secure the protein needed for egg development. Unlike their louder, buzzing relatives, these flies approach targets in total silence and land with extreme delicacy to avoid detection before delivering a painful bite. I crossed paths with this particular female cleg during a walk near Akalla, Sweden, right after she tried to make a meal out of me. After knocking her off, I managed to capture a long photo session while she recovered her composure.