Blood-feeding and nectar-feeding in adult tabanidae (Diptera).

Nectar-feeding frequently occurs in male and female tabanids. 53% of the 7,002 females and 69% of the 2,436 males reacted positively to cold anthrone. Although there are seasonal fluctuations in rates of blood and nectar-feeding, the acquisition of sugars may be essential for tabanid survival during the summer. Differences in blood-feeding rates among the species may indicate different blood-sucking habits.