Honeydew-feeding behavior of salt marsh horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1989
Authors:S. J. Schutz, Gaugler R.
Journal:Journal of Medical Entomology
Volume:26
Pagination:471-473
Date Published:1989
Keywords:New Jersey, Sugar Feeding, Tabanidae, Tabanus atratus, Tabanus conterminus, Tabanus hinellus, Tabanus nigrovittatus, USA
Abstract:

Salt marsh horseflies (Tabanus nigrovittatus, T. conterminus, T. hinellus and T. atratus) were observed feeding on aphid honeydew located on the leaves of marsh elder (Iva frutescens) in New Jersey in late June 1987. Most feeding individuals were males. Onset of feeding activity of T. nigrovittatus occurred when hovering and mating activity ended. Because males and females have not been observed previously to feed on floral nectar, honeydew may represent a major source of carbohydrates for flight.

Taxonomic name: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith