Tabanus calens
This record describes Tabanus calens (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Abdomen uniformly dark or with small white patches, eyes uniformly dark, thorax faintly striped, antenna bright orange, wings uniformly brownish
Wikipedia reference for Tabanus calens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabanus_calens.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA, except Gulf states, and the southern tip of Ontario
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Sep in NC
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tabanus calens Linnaeus 1758
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus calens. 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 Tabanus calens (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by cotinis , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabanus calens
What is Tabanus calens?
Tabanus calens is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tabanus calens?
22-24 mm
How do you identify Tabanus calens?
Abdomen uniformly dark or with small white patches, eyes uniformly dark, thorax faintly striped, antenna bright orange, wings uniformly brownish
Where is Tabanus calens found?
Range: Eastern USA, except Gulf states, and the southern tip of Ontario
When is Tabanus calens active?
Tabanus calens: seasonal activity - Jul-Sep in NC.