Tabanus maculicornis
This record describes Tabanus maculicornis (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 12 mm. A rather small, dark species with very narrow alula (flap at base of the wing) and orange antennae. The female has a pattern of grey triangles on the abdomen. Both sexes have one eye band. Like most tabanids , it prefers woodland or woodland edge habitats,particularly those associated with streams or marshy grassland. Mid-May to mid-July, peaking in late June. It is believed to breed in boggy soil and around moss. Widespread in southern Britain but less common that it used to be.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Like most
Seasonal Activity
Mid-May to mid-July, peaking in late June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is believed to breed in boggy soil and around moss.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in southern Britain but less common that it used to be.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus maculicornis. 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 maculicornis (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabanus maculicornis
What is Tabanus maculicornis?
Tabanus maculicornis is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tabanus maculicornis?
12 mm. A rather small, dark species with very narrow alula (flap at base of the wing) and orange antennae. The female has a pattern of grey triangles on the abdomen. Both sexes have one eye band.
Where is Tabanus maculicornis found?
Habitat: Like most
When is Tabanus maculicornis active?
Tabanus maculicornis: seasonal activity - Mid-May to mid-July, peaking in late June..
What is the life cycle of a Tabanus maculicornis?
It is believed to breed in boggy soil and around moss.