Tabanus catenatus
This record describes Tabanus catenatus (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
eyes uniformly dark, dull, bare; antennae dark; wings translucent, blackish along heavy raised veins; thorax gray with reddish tint above, light gray and hairy below; abdomen very dark reddish with middorsal line of small but distinct white triangles (dark antennae and reddish abdomen with small white triangles are diagnostic in Ontario) [TT notes: wing membrane may be lightly infuscated but heavier along veins]
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NS-MN to NC
Seasonal Activity
mostly: July-Aug (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tabanus catenatus Walker 1848
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus catenatus. 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 catenatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Tony-2 , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabanus catenatus
What is Tabanus catenatus?
Tabanus catenatus is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tabanus catenatus?
19-25 mm
How do you identify Tabanus catenatus?
eyes uniformly dark, dull, bare; antennae dark; wings translucent, blackish along heavy raised veins; thorax gray with reddish tint above, light gray and hairy below; abdomen very dark reddish with middorsal line of small but distinct white triangles (dark antennae and reddish abdomen with small white triangles are diagnostic in Ontario) [TT notes: wing membrane may be lightly infuscated but heavier along veins]
Where is Tabanus catenatus found?
Range: NS-MN to NC
When is Tabanus catenatus active?
Tabanus catenatus: seasonal activity - mostly: July-Aug (BG data).