Black Horse Fly

Tabanus atratus

These flies are most common near slow rivers and marshes because the larvae live underwater in mud. The bite of horse flies is painful because they actually cut a hole in your skin and then soak up the blood that comes out. Under a microscope, the biting mouthparts look like two jagged saw blades: Ouch!

Look For : A black body with yellowish or black hair on thorax; abdomen has bluish sheen; unlike deer fly, wings are not patterned.

Length : 3/4-1 1/8".

Habitat : Meadows, grasslands, marshes, slow streams.

Range : Widespread.