March flies

March fly reaction questionnaire: March fly bites can cause severe allergic reaction in some people. In order to understand more about which species may be involved and how the risk to public health can be reduced, individuals who have experienced a reaction to a March fly bites are encouraged to complete a follow-up questionnaire (PDF 654KB).

March fly specimens: The Department of Health are seeking March fly specimens. If you are interested in assisting with this request, please refer to the March fly sample handling for transport (PDF 202KB) fact sheet or contact the Medical Entomology team.

March flies, also known as horse-flies or tabanids, are classified into the Order Diptera (two-winged flies) and the Family group known as Tabanidae. In Australia, there are more than 200 different March fly species.

March flies can be a serious pest to humans, livestock, domestic animals and wildlife, and are annoyingly persistent and painful when attempting to bite. Whilst March flies are not known to transmit diseases to humans or livestock in Australia, their bite can cause serious allergic reactions in some people which may require hospitalisation. Livestock can suffer severe blood loss from repeated biting.

Biology and ecology
Health impacts
Prevention
Control

More information

Medical Entomology
Phone: (08) 9285 5500
medical.entomology@health.wa.gov.au

Last reviewed: 18-01-2024