Horse fly - Tabanus sp?

[Gerel]

I just found this crawling about outside my shed. Big beast, 18mm long. First I've seen here, can't say I'm that keen on having any more either. It had lost a wing before I found it which made taking pictures easier although I don't think I would have been so happy to let a female sit on my hand .

My best guess is Tabanus autumnalis, any other thoughts.

[Geoff F]

Have you considered T. sudeticus as well? Not saying that is correct but the small pale abdominal triangles look right to me, and the size fits.

A couple of days ago I was photographing butterflies and a Tabanus sp. settled on the end of my lens. I took that as a warning!

[Dogghound]

Definately Tabanus of the two (which are very similar plus a couple of other species) I would be more inclined to go for T.autumnalis.

[Gerel]

Thanks for the replies,

I posted these pics on Diptera.info as well and they agree with Geoff F and T. sudeticus.

regards

Steve