Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Western horse fly

Western horse fly

Tabanus punctifer

A species of True horse flies, Also known as Western black horse fly, Speckled horse fly

Endowed with a pair of intricately faceted eyes, western horse fly visually navigates diverse biomes, from forest clearings to wetlands. During its larval stage, western horse fly assumes the role of a voracious predator beneath the soil or water surface, feasting on small invertebrates, while the adults are distinguished sippers of nectar, with a predilection for rich, sweet floral sources. Notably, females also seek additional sustenance from mammalian blood, a requisite fuelling their reproductive endeavors.

Bite Animals
Bite Animals
Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
Does Western horse fly consume human blood?
Hematophagy
General Info About Western horse fly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Western horse fly
Colors
Black
Cream
Habitat
pond; stream; marsh; mud; moist soil
Adult Food Sources
Blood from mammals, blood from birds, blood from reptiles
Larva Food Source
Small insects, organic debris, amphibian larvae, small crustaceans, worms
Biting/stinging
The Western horse fly may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Cutting-sponging mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Western horse fly
Not threatened
Rectangle
Predators of Western horse fly Larvae
Birds, frogs, predatory beetles
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Western horse fly
Birds, spiders, wasps, mantises
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Western horse fly
Western horse fly attract mates using a uniquely rapid wing-beat frequency, which creates a humming sound distinguishable from other species.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Western horse fly
Tips for Finding Western horse fly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Western horse fly
Freshwater Habitats
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Western horse fly Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of western horse fly typically inhabit the moist soils of places like forests or near bodies of water such as rivers or marshes, where they predate other soil-dwelling organisms. In their adult stage, these insects are commonly observed in open, sunny spaces where they can easily hunt for blood meals from cattle, wildlife, or humans, often around fields or pastures. To search for western horse fly at various stages of growth, one would inspect humid soil or mud for larvae and venture into grassy or open areas with nearby livestock during the daytime to observe adults.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Western horse fly
For adult western horse fly, searching during the day-time is best as they are typically most active when looking for a blood meal.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Western horse fly
Finding adult western horse fly is easier in dry and warm conditions as they are less active in cold or very wet weather.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Western horse fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Western horse fly larvae are aquatic or semi-aquatic and can be found in muddy or marshy areas. To find them, search near bodies of fresh water, gently sifting through mud or detritus to locate them.
Pupal Western horse fly pupae are typically found near the same habitats as the larvae. They may be attached to underwater vegetation or debris, so inspecting these areas could lead to discoveries.
Adult Adult western horse fly can often be found in areas where they can hunt for a blood meal such as near animals or in fields. They are attracted to movement and carbon dioxide, so sitting still with a CO2 trap can be an effective method to locate them.
Are Western horse fly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Western horse fly
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Bite Animals
Icon toxic for
Pathogenic
Icon toxic for
Hematophagy
Rectangle
Bite Animals

The western horse fly engages in biting as a feeding behavior. It typically targets larger animals that are readily available, feeding on their blood. The bite may cause discomfort to the victims, but it serves as a primary means for western horse fly to obtain the nutrients needed for survival.

Rectangle
Cause Disease in Humans

Western horse fly, a biting fly, poses a disease risk to humans through its blood-sucking activity. The species can transmit pathogens, leading to skin infections or allergic reactions. Rarely, human diseases like tularemia could be contracted. Symptoms vary from mild irritation to severe illness, potentially requiring medical intervention.

Rectangle
Does Western horse fly consume human blood?

Western horse fly feed on blood by piercing skin, often causing pain to hosts including humans and livestock. Their feeding promotes disease transmission. They occasionally ingest blood indirectly by consuming parts of other animals.

More Effects of Western horse fly

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow