# Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies (*Tabanus nigrovittatus*) Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies are buzzing insects often found near water. They are known for their big eyes and love for sunny days. These flies can be a bit annoying, but they play a role in nature! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Greenhead_Horse-Fly%252C_cropped.jpg&width=800) Photo: Maximilian Paradiz from Merida, Mexico, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Greenhead_Horse-Fly%252C_cropped.jpg) ## Appearance The Saltmarsh Greenhead Fly is a robust insect with a dark, often grayish-brown body and distinctively large, iridescent green eyes that meet in males. Its wings are clear or slightly smoky, and its antennae are short and stout. This appearance helps it stand out from smaller, more delicate flies. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Tabanidae - **Genus:** Tabanus ## Interesting facts - Only female Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies bite to get blood for their eggs! - Some people use sticky blue panels to trap these flies in coastal areas! - Their larvae live hidden in mud and eat tiny insects or other larvae! - They are vital food for dragonflies and birds in marsh ecosystems! ## Special abilities - **Razor Mouthparts:** Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies has blade-like mouthparts that help them cut skin to feed on blood. - **Heat Radar:** Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies can sense body heat from far away that helps them locate warm-blooded animals. - **Super Sight:** Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies has large, emerald green eyes that help them spot hosts and movement from a distance. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-50 mm - **Size:** 10-25 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-30 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Female Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies drink blood for their eggs, while males and some females sip nectar. - **Age differences:** Larvae are predatory, feeding on small insects and invertebrates in the mud. - **Primary Foods:** mammal blood, bird blood, flower nectar, plant sap - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Common Whitetail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-whitetail) (*Libellula cyanea*) — Dragonflies hunt adult flies. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Birds prey on adult flies. - **Parasitizes:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Females bite mammals for blood. - **Depends on:** [Red Maple](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-maple) (*Acer rubrum*) — Adults feed on tree sap. ## Traits - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [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. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [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) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low If you see a fly, it's best to stay calm and not swat at it. Just let it fly away! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies? 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 Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies's wingspan? 25-50 mm ### How big is Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies? 10-25 mm ### How long does Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies live? 15-30 days ### What does Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies eat? Female Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies drink blood for their eggs, while males and some females sip nectar. ### Where is Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies usually found? Wetlands ### How does Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies hunt? Pursuit ### How many legs does Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Mullen's Head Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mullens-head-park) — Maine, US · Park ## 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: [Saltmarsh Greenhead Flies: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/saltmarsh-greenhead-flies)