Tabanus moderator
This record describes Tabanus moderator (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Abdomen only with median row of pale triangles, fork of vein R4+5 with infuscation, abdomen with contrasting pale median spots or triangles, median spot on tergite 2 distinctly smaller than those on tergites 3 and 4, scutellum with distinct pale pile, abdominal triangles rather broad and large, frons more than 6 times as high as basal width, middle and hind tibiae creamy white, extreme apices dark, eyes in life purple with 2 green-blue bands, antennae black
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
KY-SC-FL-LA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tabanus moderator Stone 1938
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus moderator. 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 moderator (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by v belov , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabanus moderator
What is Tabanus moderator?
Tabanus moderator is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Tabanus moderator?
Abdomen only with median row of pale triangles, fork of vein R4+5 with infuscation, abdomen with contrasting pale median spots or triangles, median spot on tergite 2 distinctly smaller than those on tergites 3 and 4, scutellum with distinct pale pile, abdominal triangles rather broad and large, frons more than 6 times as high as basal width, middle and hind tibiae creamy white, extreme apices dark, eyes in life purple with 2 green-blue bands, antennae black
Where is Tabanus moderator found?
Range: KY-SC-FL-LA