Horse Fly

Commonly found near bodies of water, wetlands, and wooded areas where larvae develop in damp soil.

Females are blood-feeders that bite livestock and humans; males feed on nectar and pollen.

Active during daylight hours, particularly in bright sunlight; known for persistent and painful biting behavior to obtain blood meals for egg production.

Risks include painful bites that can cause allergic reactions and the potential transmission of equine infectious anemia in livestock; they provide no direct benefit to humans but serve as food for birds and dragonflies.