Western Horse Fly
Tabanus punctifer
This record describes Tabanus punctifer (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | mesonotum covered with creamy hair over a dark reddish background: remainder of thorax dark brown, with concolorous hair: wings brown, paler posteriorly, the cross-veins and furcation distinctly margined with brown; legs black, except basal third of fore tibiae, which are creamy white with long white hair; abdomen black. |
| Male | Color as in female except that the white of the mesothorax is confined to a lateral band and the outer margin of the scutellum. |
Wikipedia reference for Tabanus punctifer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabanus_punctifer.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
BC,AB-CA to KS-TX; Mexico
Seasonal Activity
In CA, from the second week of March through October (one record in late November)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Egg mass; larva; female laying eggs; adult male:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: PUNCTIFER = Latin punctum (a point or dot) + -ifer (-carrying, -bringing)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tabanus punctifer. 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 Western Horse Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Matthias Buck , Aaron Schusteff , v belov , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Horse Fly
What is Western Horse Fly?
Western Horse Fly (Tabanus punctifer) is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Western Horse Fly?
♀ 19-22 mm
How do you identify Western Horse Fly?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | mesonotum covered with creamy hair over a dark reddish background: remainder of thorax dark brown, with concolorous hair: wings brown, paler posteriorly, the cross-veins and furcation distinctly margined with brown; legs black, except basal third of fore tibiae, which are creamy white with long white hair; abdomen black. |
| Male | Color as in female except that the white of the mesothorax is confined to a lateral band and the outer margin of the scutellum. |
Where is Western Horse Fly found?
Range: BC,AB-CA to KS-TX; Mexico
When is Western Horse Fly active?
Western Horse Fly: seasonal activity - In CA, from the second week of March through October (one record in late November).
What is the life cycle of a Western Horse Fly?
Egg mass; larva; female laying eggs; adult male: