Horse Flies

Definition

Large biting flies belonging to the family Tabanidae, characterized by their robust bodies and often dark coloration.

Etymology

From the Old English 'hors' and 'flēoge', referring to their frequent association with horses.

Example

Horse flies are voracious bloodsuckers, often targeting large mammals like horses.

Related Terms

• Deer Flies
• Tabanidae
• Biting Flies

Usage Notes

The term 'horse fly' is sometimes used colloquially to refer to any large biting fly, but strictly speaking, it refers to the family Tabanidae.