Black Horse Fly (Tabanus atratus)

Resting on the outer wall of a building (late in the evening) in a backyard habitat in NW Georgia.

comments (2)

Barry

Lion

Amazing creature. I did my PhD work with Drosophila and so came to know at least that fly species very well, but am always fascinated by other species. Do Horse Flies have halters as well? Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  To my knowledge, they are essential for flight in all flies (and help with climbing in some species). They act similarly to our vestibular system, providing spatial awareness and allowing for properly coordinated movements.
  
  *I just happen to remember that because I recently read an article about the diversity of haltere movements/patterns among dipterans! Haha! Posted 7 years ago