Bright Horsefly

The Bright Horsefly is a medium-large horsefly with extensive orange side markings on the abdomen extending from tergite 1 to tergite 4.

The female is rather robust and rectangular in build and has golden hairs on the abdomen which gives the bright appearance referred to in the common name. The eyes of the female are green and have three red bands.

The male has a narrow black stripe on the abdomen tapering to the third tergite. The first antennal segment on the male is grey-black and his eyes have the upper facets somewhat larger than the lower.

The Bright Horsefly can be seen from early June to late August, peaking in early to mid July, in various habitats, including wet meadows, wet heathland and wet woodland edges.

The male Bright Horsefly can be seen hovering in woodland glades in early morning sunshine waiting to pursue and copulate with passing females.

It is thought they feed on large mammal species, like deer, cattle, horses and man. Both males and females feed on nectar from flowers as well as blood from mammals.

The Bright Horsefly is widespread in Britain although it is scarce in the north of Scotland.