Horse fly

Near wetlands, forests, pastures, and areas with livestock or standing water.

Adult females feed on vertebrate blood (including humans, horses, and cattle); males and females also feed on nectar and plant sap.

Active during the day, fast and persistent flyers, attracted to movement, dark silhouettes, and warmth.

Risks include painful bites that can transmit pathogens to livestock and cause secondary infections in humans. Benefits include a minor role in pollination by males visiting flowers.