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This is a bit odd but I told a friend I'd try to find some info:-
Are there any flies (flying insects at least) that can squirt or sting 'remotely' ie, without contact.
My friends wife got a tissue to remove a small black 'fly' from the window and she is certain the insect didn't land on her or touch her but as she approached the insect with the tissue she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her finger which became slightly swollen and appeared to have a central spot or point (like a point where the sting originated) in the middle of the swollen area. Neither of us has heard of any such insect (this is in England by the way) but can't think what might have happened. I don't have many other details, so I can't answer questions but just wondered if any such insect is known?
There are of course other possibilities - a second, unseen insect, or contact without realising it etc.
Any info would be interesting,
thanks

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I can think of a groundbeetle of the genus Brachinus (bombardier-beetle), but it doesn't even look like a diptera.

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I'd also go for any of the alternative explanations ;)

Maybe an insect hidden in the sleeve? I discovered recently that here in Norway there are some very common small predatory bugs that sting nastily, even the small nymphs.