Tabanus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Tabanomorpha
Family: Tabanidae
Subfamily: Tabaninae
Tribe: Tabanini
Genus: Tabanus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tabanus: //təˈbeɪnəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Tabanus thellus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tabanus mordax by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tabanus brevicallus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tabanus ruficoloratus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tabanus subcanipus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tabanus luzonensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Tabanus is a diverse genus of biting horseflies known for their blood-feeding behavior. They have many species across North America, particularly in the southern states, and serve as important ecological and economic entities due to their role as vectors for certain diseases.

Physical Characteristics

Tabanus species typically range in size from 8 to 27 mm. They are characterized by scissor-like mouthparts, which female horseflies use to penetrate the skin of their hosts.

Identification Tips

Identification can be done using several views: dorsal view to show abdominal pattern, lateral view for leg color, face view for frons and eye pattern, and wing view for spots and color.

Habitat

Primarily found in various habitats including wetlands, pastures, and wooded areas, especially in the southern United States.

Distribution

Holarctic distribution; most diverse in the southern US with about 30 species found in Canada and Alaska.

Diet

Adults are nectar feeders, but females are blood-feeders, targeting livestock and wildlife to obtain blood for reproductive purposes.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes a complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Females require a blood meal for egg production; mating occurs before or shortly after the first blood meal.

Ecosystem Role

As blood-feeding insects, they play a role in the ecosystem as vectors for diseases, which can affect large mammals and potentially humans.

Economic Impact

They can impact livestock health due to their role as disease vectors, leading to economic losses in agriculture.

Health Concerns

Known potential vectors of diseases such as anthrax, worms, and trypanosomiasis.

Collecting Methods

Netting adults during their flight season
Trapping using baited traps

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Dry preservation in insect drawers

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse horseflies with other flies, but horseflies are distinguished by their larger size and blood-feeding habits.