# Horsefly (*Tabanus spp.*) The Horsefly is a big fly that can give a sharp bite! They are usually found near water and fields. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Fields, near water, and forests - **Also known as:** Cattle Fly, Tabanid ![Horsefly](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424643/objects/5517.jpg) ## Appearance The Horsefly is a robust, dark-bodied fly with very large, often iridescent eyes that meet on top of the head in males. Its wings are clear or slightly smoky, and its short antennae help distinguish it from other large flies. It often has a broad, flattened abdomen. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Tabanidae - **Genus:** Tabanus ## Interesting facts - A horsefly's bite feels more like a sharp cut than a simple prick. - Only female horseflies bite; males prefer plant nectar! - Some horsefly species are among the fastest flying insects! - Their larvae live underwater or in damp soil, eating other insects. ## Special abilities - **Super Sight:** Horseflies have enormous compound eyes that help them spot movement and detect warm-blooded hosts from a distance. - **Silent Stalker:** Female horseflies have razor-sharp mouthparts that can slice skin and a numbing saliva, allowing them to bite almost undetected. - **Blood Thirst:** Female horseflies can drink several times their body weight in blood, which provides protein for laying eggs. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-60 mm - **Size:** 10-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-60 days - **Flight Speed:** 24 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Female horseflies feast on blood, while males enjoy sweet nectar from flowers. - **Age differences:** Larvae are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates in soil or water. Adults feed on blood (females) or nectar (males). - **Primary Foods:** Blood (mammal/bird), Nectar, Plant sap - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** [Horse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/horse) (*Equus caballus*) — Females bite horses for blood meals. - **Parasitizes:** [Cattle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cattle) (*Bos taurus*) — Females bite cattle to obtain blood for egg production. - **Eaten by:** [Barn Swallow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barn-swallow) (*Hirundo rustica*) — Adult horseflies are prey for various insectivorous birds. - **Eaten by:** Bullfrog (*Lithobates catesbeianus*) — Frogs often consume horseflies found near water. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Horsefly? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Horsefly's wingspan? 25-60 mm ### How big is Horsefly? 10-30 mm ### How long does Horsefly live? 30-60 days ### How fast can Horsefly fly? 24 km/h ### What does Horsefly eat? Female horseflies feast on blood, while males enjoy sweet nectar from flowers. ### Where is Horsefly usually found? Fields, near water, and forests ### How does Horsefly hunt? Pursuit ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Horsefly: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/horsefly)