Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly
Tabanus bromius
This record describes Tabanus bromius (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has a body length of a body length of 13 to15 mm. A number of similar, rarer species exist. It is easier to identify live females which have a single strongly-formed coloured eye band (lost in pinned specimens). The abdomen is usually pale buff with dark grey markings, but the basal tergites can exhibit a reddish ground colour in some specimens. The larvae appear to develop as predators in soil, seemingly in drier places than most other large horseflies. Our most frequent medium-sized horsefly with most records coming from the southern half of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Tabanus bromius: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabanus_bromius.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Peaking in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae appear to develop as predators in soil, seemingly in drier places than most other large horseflies.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Our most frequent medium-sized horsefly with most records coming from the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus bromius. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly
What is Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly?
Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly (Tabanus bromius) is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly found?
Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats.
When is Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly active?
Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly: seasonal activity - Peaking in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Band-Eyed Brown Horsefly?
The larvae appear to develop as predators in soil, seemingly in drier places than most other large horseflies.