Horn fly
- Pronunciation
- /HORN-fly/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Horn fly
- Plural
- Horn flies
Definition
A blood-feeding fly (Haematobia irritans) that infests cattle, especially in warmer climates.
Etymology
From the Greek 'haima', meaning 'blood', and 'obia', meaning 'living in or on'; 'irritans' is Latin for 'irritating', referring to its irritating bite.
Example
Horn flies are a major pest of cattle, causing discomfort and transmitting diseases.
Related Terms
- Cattle
- Blood-feeding
- Parasitism
Usage Notes
Horn flies are sometimes confused with 'stable flies', but they are different species with different behaviors.