Seasonal flight periods of Tabanidae (Diptera) in Rhodesia

Of 29 species of Tabanids taken at Rekomitjie, Rhodesia, at an altitude of 503 m, from October 1973 to November 1974, 18 were recorded in large enough numbers to indicate flight seasons. Haematopota maculosifacies Aust. is believed to be a new record for Rhodesia. Flight seasons fell into categories ranging from very short periods once a year, generally in the first half of the wet season, to almost continuous activity except in winter. Comparison of the Rekomitjie results with those reported from other parts of Africa showed considerable differences in the flight season of some species. Males of some species were recorded in large numbers round artificial bodies of water in the hot, dry season. Most Tabanid activity was found to occur near the ground, but some flies were taken at 12.3 m above ground level.