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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
- Large flies
Recognition
- 2.5cm long
- 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