Diurnal activity of horse flies (Insecta: Diptera) species

Tabanids have great attention due to causing economic losses, medical and veterinary problems and being vectors between human and livestocks. Although lots of studies have done about distribution and succession of Tabanidae family which is represented by 176 species in Turkey, there is few studies about daily activity. Within the scope of this study 4244 specimen belonging to 7 genus and 42 species examined. Species captured with using malaise trap between 08:00 AM-19:00 PM. Daily activity, flight distance, transposition characteristics and tending frequency to host back determined with applying chi-square test and correlation statical analyses on specimens. As a result of the study; datas of daily activities of 13 species belong to 4 genus was obtained and commented. Results provide reference datas for reducing economic losses caused by Tabanids and to prevent spreading of disease factors. Even though Tabanids cause economic and medical harms on human and animals, instead of extincting them, there should be taken cautions for protection and repellant according to they hava beneficial roles in ecosysytem. In conclusion, similar studies must be conducted on different geographical regions in Turkey.