Tabanomorpha
The Brachyceran infraorder Tabanomorpha is a small group that consists primarily of two large families, the Tabanidae and Rhagionidae, and an assortment of very small affiliated families, most of which have been included within the Rhagionidae.
Description
Adult Tabanomorpha typically have a convex face and antenna bearing styli. The forewing has a costa along its entire perimeter, while the tarsi have pulvilliform empodia. Males have eyes that are nearly or fully holoptic and have an endoaedeagal process which is usually quite long and distinct. Females have the cercus always flattened.Larval Tabanomorpha have a retractable head capsule and a brush of setae just under the fold of the integument.
Ecology
Adults of most species feed on nectar and pollen, but blood-feeding occurs in the majority of female Tabanidae, some Rhagionidae and an Athericidae. Blood-feeding is believed to have evolved multiple times within the group.Larvae are mostly predators in terrestrial, aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.