Flight behavior and nocturnal resting sites of Tabanus abactor Philip (Diptera: Tabanidae) in the Texas Rolling Plains

Flight behavior and nocturnal resting sites of female Tabanus abactor Philip were examined in a mark recapture study from June to September 1982 in the Texas Rolling Plains. Five percent (104) of 2046 flies released from valley and hilltop sites were relocated. T. abactor was shown to be generally negatively anemotactic, as most flew with prevailing southerly winds. T. abactor exhibited a topographical preference for sheltered, low-lying valleys and slopes versus open, flat hilltops for nocturnal resting sites. Flies were solitary and inactive at night unless disturbed. They rested at various heights depending upon vegetation in the area and preferred habitats in dense cover.