Tabanidae (family)

Unidentified march or horse fly at Surf Beach, NSW

Tabanidae (family) at Surf Beach, NSW - 25 Jan 2024 08:56 AM
Tabanidae (family) at Surf Beach, NSW - 25 Jan 2024 08:56 AM
Tabanidae (family) at Surf Beach, NSW - 25 Jan 2024 08:56 AM
Tabanidae (family) at Surf Beach, NSW - 25 Jan 2024 08:56 AM
Tabanidae (family) at Surf Beach, NSW - 25 Jan 2024 08:56 AM
Request use of media

Identification history

Tabanidae (family) 5 Feb 2025 MichaelMulvaney

Identify this sighting


Please Login or Register to identify this sighting.

1 comment

GrahamH wrote:
   2 Feb 2024
This specimen appears to be a Tabinidae, commonly called a March fly. These species 'bite' people with a painful impact as they go in search of a blood meal. Similar body colouration to Calliphoridae, but the green eyes usually separates Tabinids from Calliphorids which usually have red eyes. Also, Calliphorids are carrion flies which have siphon-like mouthparts, and are noisy in flight. Tabinids are mostly quiet in flight, which is why the bite is usually the first indication of their presence.

Please Login or Register to comment.

Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • 12mm to 25mm Animal size
  • False Pollinator Insect on Flower

Species information

Record quality

  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
801,207 sightings of 21,637 species from 13,534 contributors
CCA 3.0 | privacy
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.