BLACK HORSE FLY
Tabanus atratus
HORSE FLY FAMILY (Tabanidae)
Description
This large fly is approximately 1 - 1 1/4 inches in length. It is mostly black in color with the thorax being black to a dark mahogany brown. The eyes are very large and all black. The male’s eyes are touching, while the female’s are separated by a strip in the middle.
Occurrence
Common in summer, sitting around buildings or on vegetation.
Comments
There are about 100 species in the genus Tabanus in North America. The adult females sit on vegetation waiting for a large, dark moving object to pursue. The female sucks blood from vertebrates. The larvae are carnivorous and may take several years to develop.
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