Horsefly for identification.

[Bruce Williams]

Stockgrove Country Park, Beds. On fence beneath mixed broadleaf trees separating coniferous wood from meadow.

Help with identification appreciated:



Bruce

[Geoff F]

Well I would say definitely one of the Tabanus species; but which one from that angle?

Do you have a top down view?

As a rough size guide; no more than 15 mm = T. bromius. At least 20 mm = T. sudeticus.

T. bromius has a rather dark abdomen with 3 rows of pale triangles. T. sudeticus has a very dark abdomen and triangles which don't reach the middle.

But I'm just quoting from my book so a real expert should be able to provide better information.

[bugbotherer]

Looks a bit 'clegy' bit the eye pattern is not what i expect

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Geoff - No unfortunately this part of the fence rail is quite high so (unless you are unusually tall) a top down shot is practically impossible. The size info could be helpful - I'll check it out later today.

Thanks bugbotherer - Yes I'm fairly certain that it's a species of horsefly. From the eye pattern I was thinking possibly the Band-eyed brown horsefly, Tabanus bromius - but I'm no expert so am hoping someone can id from the photo.

I assume this is a male - am I right?

Bruce

[Laurence Clemons]

I would also say Tabanus bromius.

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help Laurence - always appreciated.

Bruce