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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: aquatic
Feeding Habits
Adults:
Immatures: predaceous
Size: 6 to 30 mm
Flight : strong flier
North American Species: 350
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Diptera Tabanidae
Horse flies and deer flies
Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: reduced to halteres
Mouthparts: sucking
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified
Special Characteristics:
Tabanidae are medium to large sized, stout-bodied flies. The eyes are often brightly colored with a pattern of stripes. The eyes touch each other on the top of the head in males and are separated in the females. The wings of deer flies often have a distinct dark pattern. The calypter is is well developed at the base of each wing.
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Species: Chrysops mitis Osten Sacken
Common Name: Deer fly
Distribution: Widespread in Canada.
Comments: This species is common near water in forests, roadsides and suburbs. Their habit of buzzing around heads can be very annoying and their bite is painful.
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