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Below are two photos of a particularly obnoxious fly which attacked first us and then our pup during a walk yesterday. We were in a shady zone frequented by livestock and I imagine it is a type of Tabanidae, although very different from the common cleg I know and do NOT love, both in appearance and its extreme persistence and resistance. The quality of the photos isn't good as they were taken by my son with a tiny compact camera.

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Photo no. 2. Hope they're at least good enough to have an idea of an ID. Thanks :), Sarah

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No, this species doesn't belong to the family Tabanidae. It is a member of the family Hippoboscidae. I would say it is a member of the genus Hippobosca, but I'm not a specialist at all!

Jan Willem

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In fact, it didn't convince me as a Tabanidae. Thanks Jan, I'll do some research around this family and see what I can find, Sarah

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I've found Hippobosca longipennis which is very similar and does occur in Italy, so I think it may well be him. Very unpleasant character I must say, Sarah

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Hippobosca longipennis is indeed the typical species for dogs, but then again, it is very rare in Europe. More an Oriental species (I have it from Nepal).
This picture features H. equina, by far the most common species in Europe, very aggresive, normally on cows or horses but then again attacking all warmblooded bypassers. Including dogs.

Theo Zeegers

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By the way: the difference in the colouration of the venation: blackish in equina, yellowish-brownish in longipennis

Theo

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Thanks millions again! Yes it was indeed extremely aggressive and thoroughly obnoxious and I do rather hope I don't encounter it again, but at least I'll know how to call it if I do! Sarah