Black-horned Cleg
Haematopota crassicornis
This record describes Haematopota crassicornis (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The Haematopota genus is distinctive due to the mottled wings. H. crassicornis has a greyish abdomen and all-black antennae. H. pluvialis is the other common species in this genus and very similar though tends to have a brown rather than grey appearance. The males of both species have eye-bands that stop halfway up, while females of both species have eye-bands over the whole of the eyes. However males of pluvialis have an orange third antennal segment. Moist habitats, well wooded areas, pond margins and woodland. Males feed from flowers, but the females bite to draw blood from large mammals including humans. Widespread and fairly common in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Moist habitats, well wooded areas, pond margins and woodland.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Males feed from flowers, but the females bite to draw blood from large mammals including humans.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Haematopota crassicornis. 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 Black-horned Cleg (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black-horned Cleg
What is Black-horned Cleg?
Black-horned Cleg (Haematopota crassicornis) is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Black-horned Cleg found?
Habitat: Moist habitats, well wooded areas, pond margins and woodland.
When is Black-horned Cleg active?
Black-horned Cleg: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Black-horned Cleg?
Males feed from flowers, but the females bite to draw blood from large mammals including humans.