Horse-fly
Guides
Agkistrocerus finitimus
Agkistrocerus finitimus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Stone in 1938. It is a member of the diverse dipteran family known for blood-feeding females and aquatic or semi-aquatic larval development. The genus Agkistrocerus is relatively poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Apatolestes actites
Apatolestes actites is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described from coastal California in 1962. It is notable for being autogenous—females can produce eggs without requiring a blood meal, a relatively uncommon trait among tabanids. The species is restricted to coastal habitats in California and has been the subject of limited biological study.
Atylotus calcar
Atylotus calcar is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Teskey in 1983. As a member of the genus Atylotus, it belongs to a group of medium to large-sized biting flies commonly known as horse flies or deer flies. The species is part of the tribe Tabanini within the subfamily Tabaninae. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only six documented observations on iNaturalist.
Atylotus duplex
horse fly
Atylotus duplex is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It has been documented in seasonal flight activity studies in Connecticut, indicating adult activity patterns in that region. The species occurs in North America with records from Canada and the United States. Like other horse flies, adults are likely diurnal and females probably require blood meals for egg development, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Atylotus hyalicosta
Atylotus hyalicosta is a species of horse fly (family Tabanidae) described by Teskey in 1984. It belongs to the genus Atylotus, a group of biting flies known for their robust build and large eyes. Like other members of Tabanidae, females of this species likely require blood meals for egg development, while males feed on nectar and other sugar sources. The species is poorly documented in public literature, with only one observation recorded on iNaturalist.
Chlorotabanus crepuscularis
Green Horse Fly
Chlorotabanus crepuscularis is the only green tabanid horse fly in North America. It is a blood-feeding species active primarily at night, with females using carbon dioxide sensing to locate mammalian hosts. The species has been recorded from Texas to Delaware, with peak adult activity in Florida occurring from May to mid-July. Larvae are predaceous and develop in moist soil and aquatic edge habitats.
Chrysops cincticornis
Ring-clawed Deer Fly
Chrysops cincticornis is a deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Walker in 1848. It is commonly known as the Ring-clawed Deer Fly. The species has been documented in Vermont and other parts of the United States, with 291 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Research on this species has focused on its oviposition behavior and fecundity, with laboratory studies showing females deposit eggs in gelatinous masses on mud substrates near water, averaging 156 eggs per female.
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Chrysops dissimilis is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Brennan in 1935. It belongs to the genus Chrysops, a diverse group of biting flies commonly known as deer flies or yellow flies. The species is recognized in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and Catalogue of Life, though detailed biological information remains limited. As with other Chrysops species, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar.
Chrysops nigripes
Chrysops nigripes is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. Larval development has been documented in subarctic peatland environments, where the species occupies aquatic to semi-aquatic microhabitats. Life cycle completion at subarctic latitudes may require 7–8 years, indicating exceptionally slow growth rates compared to temperate populations of related species.
Diachlorus ferrugatus
Yellow Fly, Yellow Fly of the Dismal Swamp, Doctor Fly
Diachlorus ferrugatus is a biting horse fly native to North and Central America, ranging from the southeastern United States to Costa Rica. It is notorious for its aggressive biting behavior toward humans and is considered one of the most aggressive tabanid species in Florida. Females require blood meals for egg development and are active during daylight hours, with peak activity at sunset. The species is associated with aquatic habitats and nearby vegetation.
Esenbeckia
horse-fly
Esenbeckia is a genus of horse-flies (family Tabanidae) established by Rondani in 1863. Members are characterized by large, often vividly colored compound eyes and robust body form typical of tabanid flies. The genus is distinct from the plant genus of the same name (family Rutaceae), which was described earlier by Kunth. Species within Esenbeckia are found in the Americas and are diurnal, fast-flying insects.
Esenbeckia delta
Esenbeckia delta is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. Originally described as Pangonia delta by Hine in 1920, it was later transferred to the genus Esenbeckia. The species is known from the United States and Mexico. Like other tabanids, adults are likely blood-feeders, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Esenbeckia tinkhami
A species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1954. Known from limited records in the southwestern United States.
Goniops chrysocoma
Golden-haired Horse Fly
Goniops chrysocoma is the sole species in the monotypic genus Goniops, a horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is found in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. The species is characterized by its distinctive golden-haired appearance, which contributes to its common name. As a member of the horse fly family, it belongs to a group of blood-feeding flies known for their painful bites and ecological significance as pollinators and prey for other animals.
Haematopota americana
horse fly
Haematopota americana is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1875. It belongs to a genus known for blood-feeding females that are persistent pests of mammals, including humans and livestock. The species is recorded from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature. Like other horse flies, it likely has aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages and terrestrial adults.
Hamatabanus exilipalpis
Hamatabanus exilipalpis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to the genus Hamatabanus, a group of biting flies distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only three observation records currently available on iNaturalist. Like other tabanids, adults are likely to be diurnal and females may require blood meals for egg development, though specific biological details remain unverified.
Hamatabanus floridensis
Hamatabanus floridensis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The genus Hamatabanus is a small group within the tabanid flies, and this species appears to be associated with Florida based on its specific epithet. Like other horse flies, adults are likely to be blood-feeders, though specific details about this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Hybomitra
horse flies
Hybomitra is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae, containing at least 240 described species. The genus includes Hybomitra hinei, which holds the record for the fastest flying insect, with males documented reaching 89 miles per hour while pursuing air rifle pellets. Species in this genus are found across the Holarctic region, with records from Scandinavia, North America, and other temperate regions. As with other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar.
Hybomitra aequetincta
Hybomitra aequetincta is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to the genus Hybomitra, a group known for fast-flying, robust-bodied flies. The species was described by Becker in 1900. Like other horse flies, adults are likely to be diurnal and females are presumed to be blood-feeders, though specific details for this species are poorly documented. It is among the lesser-known members of a genus containing some of the fastest flying insects recorded.
Hybomitra affinis
moose-fly
A horse fly species in the family Tabanidae, commonly known as the moose-fly. Females bite while males do not. It is among the most abundant and widely distributed Tabanidae species in Canada, occurring in woodland habitats where it serves as an important pest of humans and other mammals.
Hybomitra astuta
horse fly
Hybomitra astuta is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to a genus known for containing some of the fastest-flying insects. The species has been documented in parts of North America and northern Europe. Like other horse flies, adults are likely blood-feeding, though specific details for this species remain limited.
Hybomitra aurilimbus
Hybomitra aurilimbus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The genus Hybomitra includes species known for exceptionally fast flight speeds. Hybomitra aurilimbus has been documented in North America. Adult females are blood-feeders, while males feed on nectar.
Hybomitra captonis
horse fly
Hybomitra captonis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The species is distributed across northern North America, including Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Hybomitra, it belongs to a group known for rapid flight capabilities, though specific speed records for this species have not been documented.
Hybomitra cincta
Hybomitra cincta is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across Canada and the United States, with records from Vermont and other regions. As a member of the horse fly genus Hybomitra, it shares the family's characteristic blood-feeding behavior by females and the robust, agile flying morphology typical of tabanids.
Hybomitra difficilis
Hybomitra difficilis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1828. The species has been the subject of detailed anatomical studies examining the sensory structures associated with its feeding apparatus. The feeding tube consists of a short distal vestibule followed by a food canal leading to the cibarium, with distinct sensilla arrangements that have been statistically characterized. Like other horse flies, adults are likely blood-feeding, though specific host associations and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Hybomitra epistates
Epistate Horse Fly
Hybomitra epistates is a horse fly species in the family Tabanidae, commonly known as the Epistate Horse Fly. It occurs in northern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Hybomitra, it belongs to a group noted for including some of the fastest-flying insects. The species is documented through limited observation records, with 56 observations reported on iNaturalist.
Hybomitra frontalis
horse fly
Hybomitra frontalis is a Nearctic horse fly species in the family Tabanidae. It is among the most widely distributed, abundant, and troublesome biters of animals and humans in North America. The species exhibits extreme variation in color and size across its range, particularly in Canadian populations from Nova Scotia, Labrador, and central Manitoba. Taxonomic relationships within the H. frontalis complex have been debated for over a century, with five nominal species described from regional populations.
Hybomitra hinei
horse fly
Hybomitra hinei is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. A male of the subspecies Hybomitra hinei wrighti has been documented reaching flight speeds of up to 145 km per hour when pursuing a female, representing one of the fastest recorded insect flight speeds. The species occurs in North America.
Hybomitra illota
horse fly
Hybomitra illota is a horse fly species in the family Tabanidae. Males form aggregations in forest clearings, exhibiting a "perch-and-pursue" mating behavior where they chase flying insects overhead. This species occurs in temperate North America, with documented populations in Canada and the United States.
Hybomitra lanifera
Hybomitra lanifera is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by McDunnough in 1922. Like other members of the genus Hybomitra, it is a fast-flying dipteran. The genus is notable for containing some of the fastest flying insects known, with congener Hybomitra hinei recorded at 89 miles per hour. Information specific to H. lanifera remains limited in published sources.
Hybomitra lurida
Broad-headed Horse Fly
Hybomitra lurida is a large horse-fly species in the family Tabanidae, measuring 12–15 millimetres in length. It is distributed across central and northern Europe, Asia, and North America including Canada, Alaska, and portions of the contiguous United States. Adults are active during summer months and are frequently associated with cattle in open landscapes.
Hybomitra melanorhina
horse fly
Hybomitra melanorhina is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Bigot in 1892. It belongs to a genus of large, robust biting flies known for their rapid flight. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and pollen. The species has been documented in northern North America.
Hybomitra microcephala
horse fly
Hybomitra microcephala is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It occurs in northern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Hybomitra, it belongs to a group of large, biting flies commonly known as deer flies or horse flies, recognized for their robust bodies and prominent compound eyes.
Hybomitra minuscula
Hybomitra minuscula is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, originally described as Tabanus minusculus by Hine in 1907. It belongs to the genus Hybomitra, a diverse group of biting flies distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. Like other tabanids, adults are likely to be blood-feeding, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in North America.
Hybomitra opaca
Hybomitra opaca is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Coquillett in 1904. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group of robust, fast-flying flies known for their biting behavior. The species is classified within the tribe Tabanini and subfamily Tabaninae. Specific details about its biology, distribution, and ecology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Hybomitra procyon
horse fly
Hybomitra procyon is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to the genus Hybomitra, a group of large, biting flies commonly known as horse flies or deer flies. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its family, it is presumed to have biting mouthparts and a life cycle involving aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Hybomitra rupestris
horse fly
Hybomitra rupestris is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across northern North America, including Canada and the United States. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar. The species is relatively poorly documented in scientific literature.
Hybomitra sodalis
White-arrowed Horse Fly
Hybomitra sodalis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, commonly known as the White-arrowed Horse Fly. It belongs to a genus of large, fast-flying tabanid flies. The species was described by Williston in 1887. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and pollen. The genus Hybomitra includes some of the fastest flying insects known.
Hybomitra sonomensis
horse fly
Hybomitra sonomensis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to a species group that has been subject to taxonomic revision, with Hybomitra philipi now synonymized with it. The species occurs in western North America. It has been historically confused with related species, particularly Hybomitra enigmatica, which was described as a new species based on immature stages and adult morphology.
Leucotabanus annulatus
Leucotabanus annulatus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to the tribe Diachlorini within the subfamily Tabaninae. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is found in the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Microtabanus pygmaeus
Microtabanus pygmaeus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1887. It belongs to the genus Microtabanus, which comprises small-bodied tabanid flies. The species epithet 'pygmaeus' refers to its diminutive size relative to other horse flies. Like other members of the family, adults likely possess the large compound eyes and piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of blood-feeding female tabanids, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Poeciloderas quadripunctatus
Poeciloderas quadripunctatus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The species is distributed from Mexico to Argentina, with numerous records across Brazil. Like other tabanids, it belongs to a family of biting flies known for their blood-feeding behavior.
Silvius jeanae
Silvius jeanae is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Pechuman in 1960. The genus Silvius belongs to the subfamily Pangoniinae, a group of horse flies characterized by elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding in many species. Like other members of the genus, S. jeanae likely exhibits the slender body form and reduced eye contact typical of Pangoniinae. The species epithet honors an individual named Jeana, following the pattern of several Silvius species named after women.
Silvius pollinosus
horse fly, deer fly
Silvius pollinosus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Williston in 1880. It belongs to the subfamily Chrysopsinae and is classified within the genus Silvius. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology remain limited.
Stenotabanus psammophilus
Stenotabanus psammophilus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1876. The species epithet 'psammophilus' (sand-loving) suggests an association with sandy environments. It is known from the United States, with 48 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other horse flies, females are presumed to be blood-feeders, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Stonemyia californica
Stonemyia californica is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Bigot in 1892. The species is distributed across western North America, with records from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As a member of the subfamily Pangoniinae, it belongs to a group of flies characterized by elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding rather than blood-feeding.
Stonemyia isabellina
Stonemyia isabellina is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1828. It belongs to the subfamily Pangoniinae and tribe Pangoniini. The species has been documented in the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Tabanus aegrotus
Tabanus aegrotus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It is distributed across northern North America, including Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the general characteristics of large, robust biting flies with prominent compound eyes. The species is recognized as valid by GBIF and NCBI, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym.
Tabanus americanus
American Horse Fly
Tabanus americanus, the American horse fly, is a large horse fly species in the family Tabanidae. It is notable as potentially the world's largest horse fly, with body lengths reaching up to 30 mm. The species occurs in Canada and the United States, where adults are active in open pasture areas near livestock and water sources. Females require blood meals for egg development and are significant biting pests of cattle and other large mammals.
Tabanus atratus
Black Horse Fly
Tabanus atratus, commonly known as the black horse fly, is a large, all-black species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is one of the largest horse flies in North America, with body lengths ranging from 20–25 mm. Females are blood-feeders with scissor-like mouthparts used to cut skin and lap blood, while males have reduced mouthparts and do not feed on blood. The species is recognizable by its uniform black coloration and distinctively hooked antennae. Females lay eggs in large masses of 100–1000 eggs near water's edge, with each female capable of producing three to four egg masses.
Tabanus caenosus
Tabanus caenosus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Burger in 1974. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, robust flies known for their blood-feeding females and strong flight capabilities. The species is recognized as valid by GBIF and iNaturalist, though records remain sparse with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Tabanus calens
Devoted Horse Fly
Tabanus calens is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across Canada and the United States. Two subspecies are recognized: T. c. calens and T. c. giganteus. Males of this species exhibit distinctive hovering and swarming behavior.
Tabanus catenatus
Chained Horse Fly
Tabanus catenatus is a large horse fly species in the family Tabanidae, measuring 19–25 mm in body length. It is commonly known as the Chained Horse Fly and occurs in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Like other horse flies, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their blood-feeding behavior, with females requiring blood meals for egg development.
Tabanus conterminus
Tabanus conterminus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, originally described by Walker in 1850. The species is associated with salt marsh habitats in eastern coastal North America. It has been subject to taxonomic revision, with a lectotype designated to clarify its nomenclatural status relative to other coastal horse flies such as Tabanus nigrovittatus.
Tabanus cymatophorus
Tabanus cymatophorus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1876. The species is recognized as valid by major taxonomic databases including GBIF and NCBI, though it was historically listed as a synonym in some sources. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and biting mouthparts typical of horse flies. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only four documented observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it may be rare, geographically restricted, or underreported.
Tabanus eadsi
Tabanus eadsi is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1962. Like other members of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, robust flies known for their biting females and strong flight capabilities. The species is currently recognized as valid by GBIF, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. No iNaturalist observations have been recorded for this species, and published biological information appears to be minimal.
Tabanus equalis
horse fly
Tabanus equalis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Tabanus, which contains numerous biting fly species commonly known as horse flies or deer flies. The species was described by Hine in 1923. As with other horse flies, adults are likely to be robust, medium to large-sized flies with large eyes and piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding.
Tabanus erythraeus
Tabanus erythraeus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Bigot in 1892. The species has a complex taxonomic history, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym of Tabanus fuscus while GBIF and iNaturalist recognize it as a valid accepted species. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size, robust body, and biting mouthparts typical of horse flies. Very little specific information is available for this particular species in the provided sources.
Tabanus fairchildi
Fairchild's horse fly
Tabanus fairchildi, known as Fairchild's horse fly, is a species of biting fly in the family Tabanidae. The species was described by Stone in 1938. Like other horse flies, adults are likely to be robust, medium to large-sized flies with large compound eyes and biting mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding. The species is recorded from Canada and the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Tabanus fulvicallus
Brown-footed Horse Fly
Tabanus fulvicallus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1931. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and blood-feeding habits typical of horse flies. The species is recognized by iNaturalist under the accepted name with the common name "Brown-footed Horse Fly," though detailed biological information remains limited. Only three observations are recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, undercollected, or restricted in distribution. The Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym, while GBIF treats it as accepted, suggesting some taxonomic uncertainty or recent revalidation.
Tabanus fulvulus
Tabanus fulvulus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1828. It belongs to the subfamily Tabaninae, which contains the majority of horse fly species. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it has been treated as a synonym in some historical classifications. Information regarding its biology and ecology is sparse in the available literature.
Tabanus fumipennis
Tabanus fumipennis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, subfamily Tabaninae. The species is recorded from the United States. Like other horse flies, females likely require blood meals for egg development, while both sexes feed on nectar. Specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Tabanus fuscicostatus
Tabanus fuscicostatus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Hine in 1906. The species has been the subject of population-level research examining how parity rates—the proportion of females that have previously oviposited—respond to changes in host availability. Like other horse flies, adults are likely blood-feeders with females requiring blood meals for egg development, while larvae are typically predatory or scavenging in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments.
Tabanus fusconervosus
horse fly
Tabanus fusconervosus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, subfamily Tabaninae. It was described by Macquart in 1838. The species is recorded from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature. As with other Tabanus species, adults are likely diurnal and females probably require blood meals for egg development.
Tabanus fuscopunctatus
Tabanus fuscopunctatus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Macquart in 1850. It is recorded from the United States, though specific details regarding its biology, habitat preferences, and ecological role remain poorly documented in available literature. The species belongs to a large genus of biting flies whose members are known for their blood-feeding behavior and roles as pests of livestock and wildlife.
Tabanus gladiator
Tabanus gladiator is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Stone in 1935. It is distributed in the United States. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the general characteristics of large, robust biting flies with prominent compound eyes. The specific epithet "gladiator" suggests a potentially distinctive or formidable appearance among horse flies.
Tabanus gracilis
Tabanus gracilis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Wiedemann in 1828. The species name "gracilis" (Latin for slender or graceful) suggests a relatively slender body form compared to other Tabanus species. Like other horse flies, females are presumed to be blood-feeders on mammals, while males feed on nectar and pollen. The species is poorly documented in modern literature, with minimal specific biological or ecological information available beyond taxonomic records.
Tabanus imitans
Tabanus imitans is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1848. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and robust build typical of horse flies, with females possessing scissor-like mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding. The species name 'imitans' suggests a resemblance to another taxon, though the specific basis for this naming remains undocumented in available sources.
Tabanus kesseli
Tabanus kesseli is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1950. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a large group of biting flies known for their robust bodies and large eyes. The species is recognized as valid by GBIF and iNaturalist, though the Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. Very little specific information about this species has been published in accessible sources.
Tabanus laticeps
broad-headed horse fly
Tabanus laticeps is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Hine in 1904. The species is found in the southern United States and Mexico. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and other plant fluids. The species name 'laticeps' refers to the characteristically broad head of this species.
Tabanus laticornis
horse fly
Tabanus laticornis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The species was described by Enderlein in 1931. It is distributed in the United States and Mexico. The species is listed as an accepted name in GBIF, though Catalogue of Life notes it as an ambiguous synonym of Tabanus rousselii. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the general characteristics of horse flies including large eyes and blood-feeding females, though specific details for this species are limited in available sources.
Tabanus lineola
striped horse fly
Tabanus lineola, commonly known as the striped horse fly, is a biting horse fly native to eastern and southern North America. Females are aggressive blood-feeders of humans and livestock, recognized by a pale median stripe on the abdomen, while males lack this feature, do not bite, and have bare eyes. The species has a univoltine life cycle with larvae developing in saturated sandy soils near water bodies.
Tabanus marginalis
horse fly
Tabanus marginalis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Fabricius in 1805. Like other horse flies in the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, biting flies known for their blood-feeding females and non-biting males. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Tabanus moderator
Tabanus moderator is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Stone in 1938. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to one of the largest genera of horse flies in North America. The species is recognized as valid in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and NCBI, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. Very little specific information about this species has been documented in the available literature.
Tabanus molestus
horse fly
Tabanus molestus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is distributed in the United States. Like other horse flies, females possess blade-like mouthparts adapted for cutting skin to obtain blood meals, while males have reduced mouthparts and do not blood feed. The species is part of the diverse genus Tabanus, which includes some of the largest biting flies in North America.
Tabanus mularis
Tabanus mularis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Stone in 1935. The species is currently recognized as valid, though it was previously listed as a synonym in some sources. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic blood-feeding behavior of female horse flies, with males typically feeding on nectar and other sugary substances. The species has been documented through a small number of observations, with records indicating presence in North America.
Tabanus nigrovittatus
greenhead horse fly, salt marsh greenhead, greenhead fly, greenhead, greenfly
Tabanus nigrovittatus, commonly known as the greenhead horse fly or salt marsh greenhead, is a biting horse fly species endemic to coastal salt marshes of the eastern United States. Adult females are aggressive blood-feeders that require vertebrate blood for egg production, while males do not feed on blood. The species is smaller than most horse flies, approximately the size of a house fly. Larvae develop in intertidal salt marsh mud for one to two years, preying on other invertebrates. Adults emerge in late spring and are most active from late June through August. The species is a significant human and animal pest, with populations managed through black box traps rather than insecticides due to ecological concerns.
Tabanus novaescotiae
Nova Scotia horse fly
Tabanus novaescotiae is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Macquart in 1847. The species is distributed across eastern North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. Like other horse flies, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their robust bodies and large eyes. The specific epithet references Nova Scotia, suggesting the type locality or an early collection location.
Tabanus pallidescens
horse fly
Tabanus pallidescens is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1936. It belongs to the large genus Tabanus, which contains many biting fly species distributed across North America. The species is poorly documented in the scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology.
Tabanus petiolatus
petiolate horse fly
Tabanus petiolatus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, characterized by distinctive sexually dimorphic eye coloration. Males possess a dark brown streak across the light-colored upper lenses of their compound eyes, while females have uniformly dark brown eyes. The species occurs in the United States and is frequently confused with Tabanus melanocerus and Tabanus trimaculatus.
Tabanus pruinosus
Tabanus pruinosus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Bigot in 1892. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, blood-feeding flies known for their painful bites to mammals, including humans. The specific epithet "pruinosus" refers to a frosted or pruinose appearance, suggesting a distinctive coloration or surface texture. Like other horse flies, females require blood meals for egg development, while males typically feed on nectar and other sugary substances.
Tabanus pumilus
horse fly
Tabanus pumilus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Macquart in 1838. The specific epithet "pumilus" (Latin for "dwarf" or "small") suggests this species is relatively small compared to other horse flies in the genus. Like other Tabanus species, females are blood-feeding while males feed on nectar. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, with confirmed observations from Vermont.
Tabanus punctifer
western horse fly, western black horse fly
Tabanus punctifer, commonly known as the western horse fly or western black horse fly, is a large biting fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distinguished from other North American horse flies by its creamy white thorax covered with long hairs and completely black abdomen. Females require blood meals for egg development and bite horses, livestock, and humans. The species is found throughout the southern and western United States.
Tabanus quinquevittatus
five-striped horse fly
Tabanus quinquevittatus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed in the United States, with records from Vermont and other states. The species has been studied for seasonal variation in body size and relationships among body size, parity, and fecundity in host-seeking females. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar.
Tabanus reinwardtii
Reinwardt's Horse Fly
Tabanus reinwardtii is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, originally described by Wiedemann in 1828. The species is recognized as valid in GBIF and NCBI databases, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. It is commonly known as Reinwardt's Horse Fly and has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. The species belongs to the large genus Tabanus, which contains numerous biting fly species distributed worldwide.
Tabanus sackeni
Tabanus sackeni is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Fairchild in 1934. Males and females exhibit distinct activity patterns: males are primarily collected at UV-light traps just before sunrise, while females show crepuscular host-seeking peaks and are caught in Malaise traps in the evening. Females frequently have large crop volumes after blood-feeding, and many dipping females are gravid. The species occurs in Canada and the United States.
Tabanus sequax
Pursuing Horse Fly
Tabanus sequax, commonly known as the Pursuing Horse Fly, is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The species was described by Williston in 1887 and is currently recognized as a synonym of Hybomitra sequax in modern taxonomic treatments. As with other horse flies, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their persistent pursuit of mammalian hosts. The species has been documented from at least two observations, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Tabanus similis
striped horse fly
Tabanus similis, commonly known as the striped horse fly, is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across Canada and the United States. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and other sugary substances. The species is recognized by its distinctive striped patterning.
Tabanus sparus
horse fly
Tabanus sparus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Whitney in 1879. The species is distributed in the United States and includes two recognized subspecies: T. s. sparus and T. s. milleri. Like other horse flies, adults are likely to be medium to large-sized dipterans with biting mouthparts. The species belongs to the nominate subgenus Tabanus within the genus.
Tabanus sparus milleri
A subspecies of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Whitney in 1914. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and biting mouthparts typical of horse flies. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the broader Tabanus sparus species complex.
Tabanus stygius
Stygian Horse Fly
Tabanus stygius is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is known from the United States. As with other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and other plant fluids. The common name "Stygian" refers to the dark or infernal coloration typical of this species.
Tabanus sublongus
Tabanus sublongus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Stone in 1938. The species is currently accepted in GBIF and NCBI taxonomies, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. No iNaturalist observations exist for this taxon. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, blood-feeding flies whose females require blood meals for egg development, though species-specific biological details for T. sublongus remain undocumented in available sources.
Tabanus subniger
Tabanus subniger is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Coquillett in 1906. It was originally described as a subspecies of Tabanus atratus (the black horse fly) but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species belongs to a genus of large, robust flies known for their biting mouthparts and association with mammals.
Tabanus subsimilis
horse fly
Tabanus subsimilis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Bellardi in 1859. The species occurs in the southern United States and Mexico. Like other horse flies, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their blood-feeding behavior by females and their ecological roles as pollinators and prey for other organisms.
Tabanus sulcifrons
Tabanus sulcifrons is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, widely distributed throughout the eastern half of the United States and adjacent regions of southern Canada. Larvae develop in wet, muddy margins of ponds and streams in saturated soil. The species has two recognized subspecies: T. s. sulcifrons and T. s. variegatus.
Tabanus trijunctus
Tabanus trijunctus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed in The Bahamas and the United States. Very little specific information is available regarding its biology, ecology, or distinguishing characteristics.
Tabanus trimaculatus
Tabanus trimaculatus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Palisot de Beauvois in 1806. The species is distributed across the United States and Canada. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic robust body form and large eyes typical of horse flies, though specific distinguishing features of this species are not well documented in available sources.
Tabanus turbidus
horse fly
Tabanus turbidus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1828. It belongs to the large genus Tabanus, which contains many species of biting flies commonly known as horse flies or deer flies. The species has been documented in the United States based on available records.
Tabanus venustus
horse fly
Tabanus venustus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1876. It is recorded from the United States. Like other horse flies, females are presumed to be blood-feeders while males feed on nectar. The species is distinguished from congeners by specific morphological features of the genus Tabanus.
Tabanus vivax
Tabanus vivax is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1876. The species is recognized as valid in GBIF and NCBI databases, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Tabanus, which contains numerous biting fly species distributed across North America. The specific epithet 'vivax' suggests an association with vigorous or lively characteristics, though the precise etymological intent of the original description remains unverified.
Tabanus zythicolor
Tabanus zythicolor is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1936. The specific epithet 'zythicolor' derives from Greek 'zythos' (beer) and Latin 'color', likely referring to a beer-colored or brownish coloration. Very little is known about this species beyond its taxonomic description and occurrence in the United States. It belongs to the large genus Tabanus, which contains over 1,000 species of biting horse flies worldwide.
Whitneyomyia
Whitneyomyia is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae, established by Bequaert in 1933. The genus contains at least one described species, W. beatifica. As a member of the tribe Tabanini, it belongs to a diverse group of blood-feeding flies. Very little specific biological information is available for this genus.