Stonemyia tranquilla
(Osten Sacken, 1875)
peaceful stonian horsefly
Stonemyia tranquilla is a non-biting horsefly in the Tabanidae, notable for being one of the few tabanid flies that does not require blood meals for . The species reaches approximately 1.5 cm in length and is distinguished from its relatives by its non- . It occurs primarily in northeastern North America, with scattered records extending south to North Carolina and west to the Midwest.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stonemyia tranquilla: //stəˈnɛmiə trænˈkwɪlə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Tabanidae by its non-biting ; most horsefly are obligate blood-feeders. Within its , separation from requires examination of morphological characters not detailed in general sources. The species name 'tranquilla' references its peaceful, non-biting nature compared to relatives.
Images
Appearance
measure approximately 1.5 cm in body length. As a member of Tabanidae, the possesses the characteristic large typical of horseflies, though specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Inhabits forested and semi-open environments in temperate eastern North America. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented.
Distribution
Northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Core range includes New England, New York, the St. Lawrence River Valley, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Peripheral occurrences recorded in the Midwest and Appalachian Mountains south to North Carolina.
Diet
do not feed on blood. Specific adult food sources and larval diet are not documented in available sources.
Life Cycle
Larval development occurs in soil or aquatic substrates typical of Tabanidae, though specific details are not documented. emerge and reproduce without blood-feeding, unlike most tabanid .
Behavior
do not exhibit the blood-seeking characteristic of most horseflies. activity and mating behavior are not specifically documented.
Ecological Role
Non-biting likely function as when visiting flowers for nectar. Larval is poorly known.
Human Relevance
Does not bite humans or livestock, representing a harmless member of a generally regarded as pests. The demonstrates that blood-feeding is not universal in Tabanidae.
Similar Taxa
- Other TabanidaeMost horsefly are obligate blood-feeders with biting mouthparts; S. tranquilla lacks this and associated mouthpart adaptations.
- Other Stonemyia species share the non-biting habit; specific morphological distinctions require examination.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'tranquilla' and 'peaceful stonian horsefly' directly reference the ' non-aggressive, non-biting nature compared to the blood-feeding habits of most horseflies.