Horsefly

Tabanus spp.

The Horsefly is a big fly that can give a sharp bite! They are usually found near water and fields.

Habitat: Fields, near water, and forests

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.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyTabanidaeGenusTabanus

Horsefly

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

Horseflies have enormous compound eyes that help them spot movement and detect warm-blooded hosts from a distance.

Female horseflies have razor-sharp mouthparts that can slice skin and a numbing saliva, allowing them to bite almost undetected.

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

Equus caballus

Females bite horses for blood meals.

parasitizes

Cattle

Bos taurus

Females bite cattle to obtain blood for egg production.

eaten by

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

Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.

Omnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

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.