Stable Fly - Stomoxys calcitrans
Description
It has a characteristic proboscis which protrudes forward from its head. It has an overall brown appearance.
Identification difficulty

ID guidance
- rigid proboscis
- arista with hairs above, bare below
- palps short and straight (not inflated at the end)
Habitat
As the name suggests, this fly is found near to horses and other agricultural animals.
When to see it
Most of the year.
Life History
Adults are active during the day when they search out a host which they will bite in order to feed on the blood. It reproduces in rotting straw and other decaying vegetation.
UK Status
Widespread and common in England and Wales.
VC55 Status
Common in Leicestershire and Rutland
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015