Tabanidae

Introduction

Also known as:

Horse flies

Tabanidae flies are found throughout the world and although commonly being known as the horse fly they attack a wide variety of animals including humans. There are several species of veterinary importance;

• Tabanus
• Chrysops
• Haematopota

Recognition

Tabanidae flies are large flies, up to 2.5cm long with bodies that are usually dark in colour. They have broad heads with biting mouth parts and bulging eyes that are often brightly coloured.

• Biting mouthparts
  • Short, strong and down pointing proboscis
  • Only females suck blood

• Dark colour with stripes or patches of colour on body and wings

• Large eyes
  • Often brightly coloured

• Specific wing venation
  • Closed discal cell shape

• Stout

Life Cycle

• Eggs laid on leaves overhanging water

• Larvae drop into water

• 1 year later larvae emerge onto dry land to pupate

• Adult flies emerge a few weeks after pupating

• Life cycle takes over 1 year to complete

Pathogenesis

• Most active on hot, sunny days

• Locate prey by sight

• Cause painful irritating bites

• Mechanical vectors for many diseases
  • Bacteria such as anthrax and pasteurellosis
  • Viruses such as Equine infectious anaemia and African horse sickness
  • Rickettsiales, such as anaplasmosis

• Intermediate hosts for some trypanosome diseases