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Tabanoidea

The Tabanoidea superfamily includes the Tabanidae, commonly known as horse flies or deer flies. These large dipterans have often colorful or iridescent compound eyes and mouthparts adapted for biting. Only females are hematophagous, while males feed mainly on nectar. Larvae live in moist environments, often aquatic or semi-aquatic, and are carnivorous or saprophagous. Horse flies are known to play a role in transmitting certain animal diseases and can be a nuisance for livestock.

Main Families

Notable families within this superfamily include:

Tabanidae – Horse flies, large hematophagous flies with colorful eyes, often active in summer.
Rhagionidae – Slender, elongated flies, often predatory, sometimes flower-visiting.

Habitat

Tabanoidea are mainly found in:

Wetlands (marshes, riverbanks, ponds)
Open forests and forest edges
Meadows and pastures
Alpine pastures and livestock areas

Biology

Adults:
- Females are hematophagous (in Tabanidae)
- Males feed on nectar
Larvae:
- Aquatic, semi-aquatic, or in moist soil
- Carnivorous or saprophagous

Although feared for their bites, Tabanoidea are important ecological players in the food web.

A naturalistic illustration of a typical horse fly will be added soon.

The Tabanidae – Horse Flies

Tabanidae, or horse flies, are large hematophagous dipterans whose females feed on blood, particularly from mammals.