horseflies

Horseflies, members of the family Tabanidae, are large, stout flies. They have broad, often brightly colored eyes in males, sometimes iridescent; females have biting mouthparts to cut skin and lap up blood, while males do not bite.

Life cycle: Eggs are laid in clusters on vegetation over water or moist ground. Larvae live in mud, water, or soil and are usually predatory. Pupae form in the moist environment, and adults emerge in warm months. Adults feed on nectar or pollen when not biting; only females take blood meals to develop eggs.

Distribution and impact: Horseflies occur worldwide, with many species in temperate and tropical regions. They prefer open, sunny habitats near rivers, wetlands, or meadows. Besides being a nuisance to people and livestock, they can act as mechanical vectors of animal pathogens, and their bites cause pain, irritation, and hair loss on animals.

Management: Prevention includes protective clothing, screens, and repellents for people. For livestock, sheltering and repellents, along with traps or limited spraying, can reduce bites. Reducing breeding sites by removing standing water and moist vegetation helps. Chemical controls should be used according to local guidelines, and integrated pest management approaches often provide the most effective and sustainable results.