Black Horse Fly

Marshy areas, wetlands, and wooded edges where larval development occurs in moist soil

Adult females feed on the blood of large mammals including horses and cattle; males feed on nectar and pollen

Diurnal active fliers that use visual cues and CO2 to track prey; females lay egg masses on vegetation overhanging water

Females deliver a painful bite to humans and livestock and can transmit pathogens; they serve as a food source for birds and are minor pollinators