Big-spotted Cleg
Haematopota bigoti
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Rui Andrade, all rights reserved
Overview
The Big-spotted Cleg (Haematopota bigoti) is a large horse fly species distinguished by its prominent dark spots across pale wings and robust build. As a blood-feeding insect, females play important ecological roles as both disease vectors and prey for various bird and spider species, while also serving as pollinators when feeding on nectar.
The Big-spotted Cleg (Haematopota bigoti) faces significant population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and climate-induced changes to water regimes have severely reduced the availability of suitable breeding and feeding habitats for this blood-feeding fly species.
Habitat
Big-spotted Clegs inhabit marshy areas, wet meadows, and the edges of slow-moving streams where females lay eggs in moist soil. Adults are commonly found near grazing areas and woodland clearings where they seek blood meals from livestock and wild mammals.
Other threatened species in Tabanidae
Threatened in Denmark
Frequently asked questions
Why is Big-spotted Cleg classified as Endangered?
Where does Big-spotted Cleg live?
What are the main threats to Big-spotted Cleg?
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