TABANUS, the BREEZE-FLY; a genus of insects belonging to the order of diptera. The most remarkable species is the bovinus. The head of this insect is grey; the eyes almost of a black brown, occupying the greatest part of it. The thorax is of a grey colour; the abdomen is yellowish, with a triangular white spot on the middle of every ring, which constitutes a longitudinal band of spots, the point of which is directed towards the thorax. The thighs are blackish, and the legs yellow. The wings are somewhat dusky, with brown veins of a deeper dye. This insect is the terror of horned cattle, horses, &c. Its mouth is armed with two sharp hooks which penetrate their hide, while with its proboscis, which is shaped like a sting, it sucks their blood, of which it is very fond. The puncture of the tabanus is keen and painful. The
insect is very common in damp woods and meadows, especially during the great heats, when it is most troublesome. The horned cattle are sometimes so molested by their stings, that they go mad, run down precipices, tear themselves on the stumps of trees, stones, &c.