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Post by nomad on Jul 16, 2013 11:19:34 GMT -8
Does any Diptera enthusiast know what species this large U.K. fly is? It was a inch long and on a stick in a very muddy pond [ placed there by Dragonfly enthusiasts] laying its eggs into a foam sack. It certainly was a monster fly for the U. K. I would love to know the species and family. Thanks Peter.   |
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Post by prillbug4 on Jul 16, 2013 12:35:55 GMT -8
It's a horsefly. I don't have a key to the species in England.
Jeff Prill
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Post by nomihoudai on Jul 17, 2013 1:46:05 GMT -8
Monster fly describes Tabanus sudeticus very well. The pattern and size does look a bit different, but this specimen has already laid its eggs. I caught one of these a few days ago and want to mount it, I hope it didn't turn all black in the meantime.
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Post by nomad on Jul 17, 2013 7:51:35 GMT -8
Thanks guys for the ID. Yes, another entomologist suggests Tabanus sudeticus. Also known as the Dark Giant Horsefly of the Tabanidae family. It is the heaviest fly in Europe. This fly Can be 30mm long. This is a fly from hell, usually biting cattle and horses, it can inflict a very painful bite on a human. Also known to carry the EIA virus. Another common horsefly known in Europe as the clegg can be a real nuisance and especially during butterfly photography, I have had to endure many bites from these horrors.
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