Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#5809
Horsefly - Tabanus gladiator

Horsefly - Tabanus gladiator
Newport News, Virginia, USA
August 12, 2004
This large horsefly had some trouble flying due to a torn wing and allowed me to get fairly close. I was wondering if anyone could give me more information on ID.

image #5809, #5810
Tabanus gladiator, female.
Definitely not the Black Horse Fly (T.atratus). I'm not 100% sure of the id. but the apparent large size, the orange brown colour and lavender thorax, lightly-spotted wings, leg colour, contrasting abdomen (ventral) with the thorax, and the deeply indented antennae are highly suggestive of gladiator. A "late-season species" found in the SE USA.

I believe it's Black Horse Fl
I believe it's Black Horse Fly (Tabanus atratus). Just double check it after me. I am new to bugs. Charles

 
Thanks
Pictures of the Black Horse Fly do look similar, but I couldn't find any pictures with the red on the abdomen like the one in my picture. Does anyone know if this is common in this species?