Black Horse Fly

Tabanus atratus is a species of horse fly found in North America. It is a large fly, typically black in color with yellow stripes on its abdomen. It has a wingspan of up to 1.5 inches and a lifespan of up to two months. It is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. Its population is currently stable.

Name Origin: Tabanus atratus is a species of horse fly, and its name is derived from the Latin words tabanus, meaning "horse fly," and atratus, meaning "clothed in black." This species of fly is known for its black body and wings, which is why it was given the name atratus.

Related Species: Tabanus bovinus, Tabanus lineola, Tabanus sudeticus

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insect

Order: Diptera

Family: Tabanidae

Genus: Diptera

Species: Insect

Tabanus atratus lives in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to woodlands. They prefer warm, sunny areas with plenty of vegetation and open space. They are often found near water sources, such as ponds, streams, and rivers. They are also attracted to areas with plenty of flowers, as they feed on nectar and pollen. They are active during the day and rest at night. They are often seen in the company of other insects, such as bees, butterflies, and dragonflies. Tabanus atratus is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and provide food for other animals.

Native country: Widespread, incl. USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia.

Native continent: Tabanus atratus is found mainly in North America.

Other organisms found in habitat: Grass, Clover, Trees, Insects, Birds

Appearance Summary: Tabanus atratus is a species of horse fly that is typically black in color with a yellowish-brown thorax. It has a distinctive pattern of yellow stripes on its abdomen and a yellowish-brown scutellum. Its wings are transparent and its legs are black. It has a long proboscis and its eyes are large and reddish-brown. It has a short, stout body and its antennae are short and black.

Facial description: Tabanus atratus has a black head with a yellow face and a yellow stripe running down the center of its face. Its eyes are large and reddish-brown in color. Its antennae are long and black. Its proboscis is long and black. Its thorax is black and its abdomen is yellow. Its legs are black and its wings are clear.

What are the distinct features of Black Horse Fly? Flight, Large size, Black and yellow stripes, Buzzing sound, Feeds on nectar and blood, Aggressive, Nocturnal, Attracted to light, Long proboscis, Long antennae, Long legs

What makes them unique?

Black Horse Fly body color description: Brown, black, and yellow

skin type: The Tabanus atratus has a smooth, glossy exterior with a black and yellow striped pattern. Its wings are transparent and its body is covered in short, fine hairs.

Strengths: Mobility, Camouflage, Reproductive Rate, Adaptability, Hardiness

Weaknesses: Susceptibility to parasites, Limited dispersal ability, Low reproductive rate, Limited food sources, Limited habitat range

Tabanus atratus behavior summary: Tabanus atratus, commonly known as the black horse fly, is a species of fly that is found in many parts of the world. It moves by walking and flying, and is known to hide in tall grasses and other vegetation. It is an aggressive species and will fight off other organisms that come too close. It is also known to feed on the blood of other animals, and is attracted to the smell of carbon dioxide. It is an important part of the food chain, as it is a food source for many other species.

How do they defend themselves? Tabanus atratus, commonly known as the black horse fly, defends itself from attacks by using its powerful mandibles to bite its predators. It also has a hard exoskeleton that helps protect it from predators. Additionally, it has the ability to fly away quickly if it senses danger.

How do Black Horse Fly respond to stimuli in their environment? Visual, Chemical, Acoustic

How do Black Horse Fly gather food? Tabanus atratus, commonly known as the black horse fly, is a predatory insect that hunts for food by using its keen eyesight to spot potential prey. It needs a source of protein to survive, which it obtains by feeding on other insects, small mammals, and birds. The black horse fly is an agile hunter, able to quickly pursue its prey and capture it with its powerful mandibles. However, it faces competition from other predators, as well as environmental factors such as wind and rain, which can make it difficult to find food.

How do Black Horse Fly communicate in their environment? Tabanus atratus communicates with other organisms through chemical signals, visual cues, and sound. It uses chemical signals to attract mates and to mark its territory, visual cues to recognize other members of its species, and sound to communicate with other members of its species.

Examples: Tabanus atratus,Visual,Flashing of wings and body,Chemical,Releasing pheromones,Acoustic,Producing buzzing sound

How does the Black Horse Fly get territorial? Staking out territory, Defending territory, Chasing away intruders

Diet Summary: Tabanus atratus primarily feeds on nectar and pollen from flowers, as well as plant sap. It also consumes small insects, such as aphids, and can be found near livestock, where it feeds on the blood of animals. Toxic and unhealthy foods for Tabanus atratus include pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that can be found in the environment.

Predators: Tabanus atratus, commonly known as the black horse fly, is threatened by a variety of predators, environmental changes, and negative impacts to its population growth. These include birds, spiders, and other insects, as well as changes in temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. Additionally, the fly is threatened by the use of pesticides, which can reduce its population growth.

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pesticides, Parasites, Disease, Predation by Birds, Predation by Insects, Predation by Mammals

Life cycle: Tabanus atratus reproduces by laying eggs in moist soil. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on decaying organic matter and develop through four instars. After the fourth instar, the larvae pupate in the soil and emerge as adults. Adults feed on nectar and other liquids, and mate. The female lays eggs in moist soil, and the cycle begins again.

Most common health issues: Respiratory Issues, Skin Irritation, Allergic Reactions, Eye Irritation

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pesticides, Parasites, Disease, Predation by Birds, Predation by Insects, Predation by Mammals

Common diseases that threaten the Black Horse Fly population: Malnutrition, Parasitic Infections, Dehydration, Heat Stress, Cold Stress, Disease Transmission, Pesticide Exposure, Pollution Exposure

Population: Tabanus atratus population has been steadily increasing since 2010, reaching a peak of 8.5 million in 2018. From 2018 to 2019, the population decreased slightly to 8.2 million, but then increased again to 8.4 million in 2020. From 2020 to 2021, the population decreased slightly to 8 million, but then increased again to 8.2 million in 2021. The population has been steadily increasing since 2010, with the highest population recorded in 2018.

How do Black Horse Fly adapt to their environment Tabanus atratus, commonly known as the black horse fly, is an insect that has adapted to its environment by developing a strong sense of smell and sight. This helps it to locate food sources, such as other insects, and to avoid predators. For example, when a black horse fly is disturbed, it will quickly fly away in order to avoid being eaten by a bird or other predator.

What's their social structure? Tabanus atratus is a species of fly that is found in many parts of the world. They are a part of the food chain, as they are a source of food for many other species. They interact with their family or species by forming swarms, which can be seen in the summer months. They also form mating swarms, which is a way for them to find a mate. They are also known to feed on the nectar of flowers, which helps to pollinate the flowers. In terms of the social hierarchy of this species, they are at the bottom of the food chain, as they are preyed upon by many other species. They also have a hierarchical structure within their own species, with the males being dominant over the females.

How would you describe their survival instincts? Tabanus atratus, commonly known as the black horse fly, is an insect that has evolved to survive in a variety of environments. It has a range of survival instincts, such as the ability to detect changes in light, temperature, and humidity, and respond to them accordingly. It also has the ability to detect the presence of potential prey and predators, and respond by either fleeing or attacking. In addition, it has the ability to detect the presence of other Tabanus atratus, and respond by either mating or avoiding each other.