Tabanus laticornis
This record describes Tabanus laticornis (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In Burger's 1995 Catalog he lists Tabanus laticornis from Arizona and Hybomitra laticornis from Arizona. In a 1974 paper on Arizona tabanids he includes Hybomitra laticornis and in a 1975 paper on Arizona tabanids he does NOT include a Tabanus laticornis. He discusses this taxon in the 1974 paper questioning whether laticornis is either a Tabanus or a Hybomitra. In 2015 Burger ID'd this species as Tabanus laticornis in BG . I believe the 1995 entries in the Catalog refer to the same taxon, i.e., Tabanus laticornis
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tabanus laticornis Hine 1904
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus laticornis. 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 laticornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , v belov , Arturo Santos