tabanos

Tabanos, commonly known as horse flies or deer flies, are robust, biting insects belonging to the family Tabanidae. They are found worldwide, with over 4,000 described species, and are most prevalent in warmer climates and near bodies of water where they breed. Tabanids are characterized by their large, often iridescent eyes, short, stout bodies, and powerful wings. Their mouthparts are adapted for cutting and sponging, allowing them to feed on the blood of mammals, including humans, as well as birds and other animals.

The life cycle of a tabanid typically involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid in masses on vegetation, often near water. The larval stage is aquatic or semi-aquatic, feeding on organic matter or small invertebrates. The adult flies emerge from the pupal stage and are most active during daylight hours, particularly on warm, humid days. Female tabanids require a blood meal to develop their eggs, making them pests for livestock and wildlife, as well as a nuisance to humans. Their bites can be painful and sometimes transmit diseases. Control methods often focus on managing breeding sites and using repellents.