Tabanidae (Horseflies, Deer Flies)
The Chrysops spp. (Deer flies) are fairly large and often brightly patterned in yellow and black. They favor open woodlands and bite deer and other warm-blooded animals. The larvae feed on decaying vegetable matter in shallow water. The adults may obtain nectar from flowers, but they are not important pollinators. Horseflies are even larger, and found in pastures or prairies where there are large hoofed animals. They bite these animals to lap their blood. Their larvae occur in muddy areas and are carnivorous. The adult Horseflies are more likely to use flowers as a place to perch, than anything else.