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A fascinating Horse fly


A fascinating Horse fly
Photo Information
Copyright: Marcello Romano (marcellr) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 208 W: 38 N: 1012] (3514)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-05-20
Categories: Insects
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/125 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-10-15 4:00
Viewed: 756
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Female of Therioplectes tunicatus (Diptera, Tabanidae) (Theo Zeegers det.)
In a marshy habitat, resting on a leaf of Iris pseudacorus, probably just emerged.
The genus is easily recognized by the white and slightly swollen tibiae.
Size around 30 mm.


The fly family Tabanidae (horse flies) includes an estimated 4500-6000 extant species distributed throughout the world. The eyes are large, covering most of the head.
Nearly all are blood-feeders as adults, but many are also important pollinators of angiosperm flowers.
The life cycles is associated with water to some extent.
The eggs are laid in large masses ranging from 200-1000 eggs and oviposition varies according to genus. Eggs are not laid directly in water but rather on overhanging vegetation or protruding rocks and debris.
Hatching usually occurs around four days after being laid, although this timescale depends on the ambient temperature.
The larvae usually pass through six to nine instars before pupation. The larval stage often takes several months and allows over wintering in temperate climates.
The larvae feed on other insect larvae, crustaceans, snails and earthworms. They have also been observed to be cannibalistic.
When the larvae pupate they migrate up to the top one or two inches (2.5-5.0cm) of soil or towards aquatic environments.
The pupa have a series of spines projecting from the abdominal segments with a spiny aster formed from bristles on the terminal segment. These spines allow purchase on the substrate when the pupae moves, although movement is limited and only undertaken in order to avoid adverse conditions. The pupal stage lasts from one to three weeks.
When the fly emerges from its pupal case females will seek a blood meal, whilst the males feed on nectar.
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To cicindela: Therioplectes tunicatusmarcellr 2 10-24 00:44
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Marcello,

Once again a very good shot. The sharpness is perfect as usual.
Cheers,

Mariki

  • Great 
  • batu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1056 W: 289 N: 3914] (13202)
  • [2007-10-16 9:05]

Hallo Marcello,
this is a really fascinating picture! Great depth of field and admirable sharpness show the fly in a unique way. The light is managed professionally - all parts of the fly are clearly visible without any under- or over-exposure. I wonder why you obtanied only 1! critique up to now. Sometimes, something goes wrong here at TN.
It's absolutely a favourite picture!!
Best wishes, Peter

Hello Marcello!
I can see that on TN a new entomologist appeared! :) And that is really good for all of us! And for me a great pleasure too.
Great close-up of this fly.
Picture has really nice details and colouration. I like also composition :)
Best regards,
Radomir

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