Tabanus bovinus

Cattle brake ( Tabanus bovinus )

The cattle brake ( Tabanus bovinus ) is a fly species occurring in Europe from the family of the brakes ( Tabanidae ).

Features

Cattle brakes reach a body size of 10 to 24 mm, with the strong body has a brownish- gray color. The wings are also covered by brownish- gray with yellow and brown veins. Along the thorax are distinct longitudinal stripes. The abdomen has the back to bright, triangular patches, which expire at a narrow bright line at the end of each segment. The sides of the abdomen are reddish colored, as with other members of the genus Tabanus. The compound eyes are greenish and have narrow brown stripes. This distinguishes them from the similar horsefly ( Tabanus sudeticus ), whose eyes are dark brown. This species has clearly demarcated triangular spots on the back of the abdomen.

Dissemination

The distribution area includes Europe, North Asia and North West Africa. The species prefers to live in pastures and along forest edges and comes to an altitude of about 2000 meters in front.

Way of life

Like most brakes require the females of the cattle brake before oviposition, a blood meal. As the name suggests, the blood of cattle is preferred, but they can also feed on other mammals. The larvae of the cattle brake live in moist soil.