Feeding behavior of Tabanidae (Diptera) on cattle and serologic analyses of partial blood meals

In studies in Connecticut, the feeding behaviour of 17 species of tabanids was observed to determine preferences in feeding sites on cattle and the prevalence of disruptive feedings. More than 82% of 628 Chrysops females selected the head region, whereas Hybomitra and Tabanus females generally favoured the sides and backs of animals. Although continuous and disrupted feedings occurred on all body regions, 83% of 281 Chrysops females fed without interruption, while 65% of 280 Tabanus and 279 Hybomitra individuals engorged continuously from the backs, sides, bellies, and legs. Of the 2559 host-seeking tabanids captured in woodlands and pastures, 251 (10%) contained partial blood-meals. Positive reactions to antisera in capillary precipitin tests were as follows: 57% bovine, 14% horse, 9% dog, 8% rabbit, 7% bovine-deer, 4% deer, and 1% unidentified mammal. Mixed bloods of bovine and equine origins were detected in an additional 7 Hybomitra and 13 Tabanus females.