About Black Horse Fly
A very large entirely black horse fly and one of the biggest flies in North America. Females are persistent blood-feeders that can harass livestock and humans during summer months.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are aquatic predators that live in muddy pond bottoms and can take up to two years to complete development.
How to Identify Black Horse Fly
Black Horse Fly (Tabanus atratus) belongs to the order Diptera, family Tabanidae. Adults typically measure 20-28 mm.
Black Horse Fly Habitat
Black Horse Fly is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Eastern United States from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Black Horse Fly Diet and Feeding
Black Horse Fly is a blood-feeding species that obtains nutrients by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals. Blood feeders have specialised mouthparts adapted for piercing skin.
Where Is Black Horse Fly Found?
Black Horse Fly can be found in Eastern United States from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Black Horse Fly can be found
Is Black Horse Fly Dangerous?
Black Horse Fly is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals to obtain a blood meal. Bites can cause irritation, itching, and in some cases allergic reactions. Some blood-feeding insects are known to transmit diseases, so precautions should be taken to avoid bites.
Black Horse Fly Role in Nature
Black Horse Fly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Black Horse Fly are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Horse Fly
What does Black Horse Fly look like?
The Black Horse Fly typically measures 20-28 mm.
Where is Black Horse Fly found?
The Black Horse Fly is found in Eastern United States from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Black Horse Fly eat?
The Black Horse Fly feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals.
Is Black Horse Fly dangerous to humans?
The Black Horse Fly is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals. Some blood feeders can transmit diseases. Take precautions to avoid bites.
What is an interesting fact about Black Horse Fly?
Its larvae are aquatic predators that live in muddy pond bottoms and can take up to two years to complete development.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Black Horse Fly (Tabanus atratus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-horse-fly
MLA:
"Black Horse Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-horse-fly.