Horsefly

Tabanus

This horsefly can be identified as female due to the distinct vertical separation between each eye (dioptic) which is noticeably missing in males who are holoptic. While male horseflies are harmless pollinators feeding strictly on nectar, pollen, and plant juice, female horseflies require protein rich blood to produce their eggs. They bite and drink the blood of large mammals or humans using sharp mouthparts to break the skin.

Recorded lineage

kingdomAnimaliaphylumArthropodaclassInsectaorderDipterafamilyTabanidaegenusTabanus

Observed

Jun 23, 2026

Location

Los Angeles, California