Black Horse Fly

black fly / moth / darth vader helmet
July 1, 2010
dear bugman, this bug is over an inch in length, and is entirely matte black, making me think it’s a night variety moth? but what drew my attention was it’s ‘darth vader helmet’ like listening devices (?) positioned like a globe over its head, and how it looked much like a bumble bee in flight. i was very surprised to see it was a moth body when it landed. have you seen this before? is it common here in MN? or is it a brazilian scout for a pending invasion? ha…thank you kindly for your efforts!
Uptown, Minneapolis, MN

Black Horse Fly

According to BugGuide, the Black Horse Fly, Tabanus atratus, is reported from Minnesota in July and August.

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