Ecological studies on Tabanus taeniola P. de B. in Egypt [Diptera : Tabanidae].

Field studies on the ecology of Tabanus taeniola P. de B. in Egypt [cf. preceding abstract] were carried out in Beni Suef Province 1963-64. Details are given of the climatic conditions, the flora and the fauna of the area where the fly was investigated. The dry season lasted 8-9 months, a wide variety of wild and domestic animals were present and vegetation along the numerous irrigation canals provided breeding sites. The adults of T. taeniola were typically diurnal. Adults were attracted both to dark objects and to moving ones. The normal resting places of both sexes were trees trunks and similar objects, and both males and females were observed feeding on flowers and on aphid honeydew. Adults were active between April and November. Peak numbers of adults occurred in mid June or early July, when females predominated, and in late August or mid-September, when males predominated. Peak proportions of females with mature ovaries occurred in July, with a smaller peak in mid-September.