Horse-flies
Tabanidae, commonly known as horse-flies, are a family of dipteran insects that represent a significant challenge in agricultural and livestock management. While they do not directly damage crops, their impact is felt through the extreme stress and health deterioration they inflict on livestock. These pests are notorious for their aggressive biting behavior, which disrupts grazing patterns and lowers animal productivity.
What the section contains
American horse fly
Tabanus americanus
Atlantic deer fly
Chrysops atlanticus
Autumn horsefly
Tabanus autumnalis
Banded horse fly
Tabanus bromius
Black horse fly
Tabanus atratus
Chrysops relictus
Haematopota pluvialis
Chrysops relictus
Chrysops relictus
Dark giant horsefly
Tabanus sudeticus
Deer fly
Chrysops
Five-banded horse fly
Tabanus quinquevittatus
Haematopota crassicornis
Haematopota crassicornis
Horse flies
Tabanus cacens
Horse fly (Hybomitra)
Hybomitra
Horse-flies
Tabanus
Large horsefly
Tabanus bovinus
Micans horse-fly
Hybomitra micans
Salt marsh horse fly
Tabanus nigrovittatus
Splay-eyed fly
Chrysops caecutiens
Spotted Horsefly
Tabanus punctifer
Striped deer fly
Chrysops vittatus
Striped horse fly
Tabanus lineola
Striped horse fly
Tabanus taeniola
Two-spotted horsefly
Hybomitra bimaculata
Horse-flies
The taxonomic classification of horse-flies belongs to the order Diptera, family Tabanidae. Understanding their biology is essential for control, as they thrive in specific environmental conditions. Adult males feed on nectar and are harmless, whereas females are blood-feeders requiring vertebrate blood to complete their reproductive cycle, effectively making them significant pests of cattle, horses, and sheep.
The life cycle of Tabanidae is complex, involving four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are typically laid in masses on vegetation overhanging water or moist soil. Larvae are predators and grow in wet habitats for several months or even years. This reliance on moist environments for development makes certain landscapes more prone to high infestations during warm summer months.
The harm caused by horse-flies extends beyond simple pain. Their mouthparts cause deep, bleeding wounds that are susceptible to bacterial infection and attract other parasites. Furthermore, they are proven vectors of various infectious diseases, including tularemia and bovine anaplasmosis. The presence of these flies in high numbers leads to decreased meat quality, lower milk yields, and potential livestock mortality.
- Utilizing blue or black canopy traps to capture adult flies.
- Applying pour-on insecticides or repellents specifically formulated for cattle.
- Installing physical barriers like insect screens in stables and barns.
- Managing pastures by clearing unnecessary water-logged vegetation.
- Implementing rotational grazing to keep animals away from heavily infested areas.