Tabanus molestus
This record describes Tabanus molestus (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Burger 1995 (Catolog of Tabanidae (Diptera) of North America north of Mexico lists Tabanus mixis and Tabanus molestus as distinct species; Zettel Nalen 2015, Florida concurs. T. mixis has been considered a subspecies of T. molestus (Tidwell 1973, Louisiana; Goodwin 1985, Tennessee; Drees 1980, West Virginia). T. molestus and T. mixis are very similar; mixis being darker (Burger BG 242375:Tabanus mixus (sic). Mixus (sic) is very similar to molestus, but darker JBurger, 28 November, 2008 - 12:28pm). It would appear that some of the images here under molestus are dark enough o be considered mixis ? (AWT 3x21) With known pathogenic transmission of Hog cholera virus, a disease that is only pathogenic to pigs and relatives.
Classification
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tabanus molestus Say 1823
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus molestus. 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 molestus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by v belov , Arturo Santos