FULVULUS HORSE FLY
Tabanus fulvulus
HORSE FLY FAMILY (Tabanidae)
Description
This horse fly is approximately 1/2 inch in length. The thorax and abdomen are covered with golden to light brown hair. The eyes are very large and green with 2 dark red horizontal bands through the lower part of the eye. The individual shown here (photos A, B, C) is a male because the eyes touch on top of the head. The short antennae are recurved and are red with sharp black tips. The legs are black and tan colored. The wings are a clear tan color.
Occurrence
The freqency of occurrence is unknown. This fly is only known from one observation in Fontenelle Forest in late June.
Comments
Adult males feed on nectar and females suck vertebrate blood. Most horse fly larvae live in fresh water, damp soil or rotting plants. The larvae are carnivorous preying on insects and snails, and may take several years to develop.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Nature Association who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page
is: Loren Padelford.
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