What type of flies are known as Tabanidae?

Tabanidae is the scientific family name that encompasses horse flies and deer flies. These insects are known for their distinctive large size and aggressive behavior, particularly the females, which are known to bite and feed on the blood of animals, including humans.

Horse flies (from the genus Tabanus) and deer flies (from the genus Chrysops) are characterized by their strong, slightly iridescent wings and as robust-bodied insects. Their feeding habits are significant in both ecological and agricultural contexts, as they can be detrimental to livestock and may serve as vectors for various diseases.

In contrast, the other options refer to different groups of flies that do not belong to the Tabanidae family. House flies, for instance, are part of the Muscidae family, while fruit flies belong to the Drosophilidae family. Stable flies are also from the Muscidae family and share some characteristics with house flies but are distinctly different from horse and deer flies in both their behavior and habitat preferences. This distinction clarifies why horse or deer flies are the correct identification for the Tabanidae family.