- 317 species in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Tabanidae |
Identification Tips:
Larvae
• Body tapered at both ends
• No distinct head; fang-like mouth parts protrude from thorax
• Prolegs arranged around abdominal segments
• No structures at end of abdomen
Life History:
• Larvae found in sediment at the bottom of ponds, marshes and stream pools
• A few species live in riffle gravels
• Burrowing predators; eat aquatic earth worms and other invertebrates
• Larvae crawl out of water to pupate in soil
• Adults are strong fliers, prefer hot conditions, and are only active by day
• Often inflict painful bites on people
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | Some | |||
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.