Tabanus erythraeus
This record describes Tabanus erythraeus (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female: abdomen with both distinct median and dorsolateral pale markings or triangles, eyes not densely pilose and abdomen not distinctly pallid dorsally, abdomen with no impression of a stripe formed by median abdominal triangles, wings hyaline and unspotted, thorax and abdomen not predominantly pallid dorsally, eyes not densely pilose, abdomen with pale median triangles equal in size from tergites 2-5, basal callus not reduced in size and touching eyes, subcallus pollinose, scape of antennae strongly swollen dorsally over pedicel, antennae reddish to base of flagellum.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ-Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Adults active Jun-Aug
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tabanus erythraeus Bigot 1892
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus erythraeus. 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 erythraeus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Arturo Santos; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabanus erythraeus
What is Tabanus erythraeus?
Tabanus erythraeus is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Tabanus erythraeus?
Female: abdomen with both distinct median and dorsolateral pale markings or triangles, eyes not densely pilose and abdomen not distinctly pallid dorsally, abdomen with no impression of a stripe formed by median abdominal triangles, wings hyaline and unspotted, thorax and abdomen not predominantly pallid dorsally, eyes not densely pilose, abdomen with pale median triangles equal in size from tergites 2-5, basal callus not reduced in size and touching eyes, subcallus pollinose, scape of antennae strongly swollen dorsally over pedicel, antennae reddish to base of flagellum.
Where is Tabanus erythraeus found?
Range: AZ-Mexico
When is Tabanus erythraeus active?
Tabanus erythraeus: seasonal activity - Adults active Jun-Aug.