Tabanidae, commonly known as horseflies and deer flies, are a family of large, robust flies found worldwide. They are known for their painful bites, which they inflict on mammals, including humans, to obtain blood for nourishment. These flies are typically active during warm months and are attracted to movement and carbon dioxide. Members of the Tabanidae family are characterized by their large size, strong wings, and distinctive eyes, which can be brightly colored. They play a role in ecosystems as pollinators, but their bites can also transmit diseases to livestock and wildlife, making them significant in veterinary entomology.