Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Haematobia irritans (Muscidae)

Posted by Susan R Walter on 16-11-2008 15:47
#1

I think this must be a male Haematobia irritans. Can someone confirm for me please? Also, do both male and female Haematobia bite?

From central lowland France (la Brenne), 1 September 2008. Lifted from the back of a horse grazing in a damp field. The ungrateful horse had the gall to chew a hole in my bag while I was collecting various biting flies from it!

Posted by Susan R Walter on 16-11-2008 15:48
#2

Dorsal view.

Posted by Stephane Lebrun on 16-11-2008 16:01
#3

Hello Susan, yes it's Haematobia irritans with the peculiar male hind tarsi.
I'm not an expert in muscid biology, but I think all stomoxini are both males and females blood sucking flies.

Posted by Susan R Walter on 16-11-2008 16:16
#4

Thanks Stéphane for confirming the species. I thought both sexes must bite, so thanks for your comment on that too.