[4] In early stages of life, L. torrens flies dwell in soil, then emerge to feed and breed as fully developed adults.

[5] L. torrens females rely on blood meals from vertebrates for nutrition, while males feed on various plant products such as nectar.

L. torrens infestations in California have caused people to take measures to control their populations.

Construction projects and farming efforts have been temporarily suspended because of L. torrens biting activity.

The antenna retracts into the head with additional chitinized parts, and no eye organs are visible.

[6] Larvae occasionally enter diapause for more than 3 years under certain conditions,[1] such as when the soil is not sufficiently moist for their development.

Larvae typically become active once rain falls in the second winter of their larval stage.

[5] In early May, mature larvae burrow through cracks in the soil and pupate; this process is relatively short and estimated to be about five days.

Adults emerge from mid-May to June when soil is dry and cracks re-form.

[5] Female L. torrens feed only once, taking blood meals from vertebrates[2] by burrowing into the feathers or fur of warm-blooded animals.

[3] Females may bite humans, injecting saliva under the skin where blood then pools.

[9] The tendency for larvae to enter diapause causes large swarms to emerge in certain years.

Construction projects and farming efforts sometimes had to be temporarily suspended in the past because of L. torrens bites.

[6] Since adult flies rest on grass before taking flight, using pesticides just before emergence can help control populations.

Malathion, diazinon, and fenthion are insecticides that has been effective in decreasing adult emergence.

[8] Planting sugar beets, alfalfa, and tomatoes may deter L. torrens from breeding.