Haematopota pluvialis, Notch-horned Cleg Fly

Common Name: Notch-horned Cleg Fly

Haematopota pluvialis is more commonly known as the Notch-horned Cleg Fly or Horse Fly; adults feed on nectar and sometimes pollen. Females usually also feed on blood which aids in egg development. Males lack the necessary mouth parts for blood feeding. Most horse flies feed on mammal blood, but some species are known to feed on birds, amphibians or reptiles.

The females' primary sense for locating prey is sight, and they have large compound eyes that serve this purpose well. Horse flies are most active in hot weather, mostly in summer and autumn during the daylight hours. Most species also prefer a wet environment, which makes it easier for them to breed.

Eggs are generally laid on stones close to water or on plant stems or leaves. On hatching, the larvae fall into water or moist earth, feeding voraciously on invertebrates, such as snails and earthworms, and small vertebrates.

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