Biological studies of Tabanus abactor Philip and other Tabanidae of the Texas Rolling Plains

Date

1983-08

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Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

The cedar fly, Tabanus abactor Philip, is a common cattle pest in the Rolling Plains region of Texas. Research was conducted to learn more about the biology and distribution of J. abactor and other Texas Tabanidae. Fifteen different species of tabanids were collected from Childress, Wichita, Nolan, and King counties. The Cedar fly, T. abactor, was the predominant fly species throughout this region. The species number and diversity were found to vary with the topography of the site. Nighttime habits and habitats of the Cedar fly were investigated. Adult females were found to prefer low lying areas and large vegetation types for nighttime resting sites. Tabanid larvae (possibly T. abactor) were found in stream bottoms and other areas frequented by the adults at night. Descriptions of the larvae and possible developmental sites of T. abactor are included.

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