The Tabanidae (Diptera; horseflies and deerflies) biting horses were studied in the eastern Amazon basin. Diurnal activity of horsefly species was observed in two areas: (1) Morelândia rancho at km 6 on PA-408 highway, Municipality of Santa Bárbara, monthly from May. 1980. 10 June. 1981. in both primary forest and planted pasture, where a total of 20.159 specimens of 47 tabanid species were collected. (2) APEG Forest Reserve near the Guamá River. in the city of Belém, from September 1982, to December 1983. where a total of 14.206 specimens of 34 tabanid species were collected. The correlation or selected climatic factors 10 the diurnal activity of the more common tabanid species was investigated, and statistically significant relations were found concerning air temperature, air relative humidity, and light intensity. This research provides a background for future studies and strategies for control on these medically important flies, as well as for the implementation of control measures to reduce stress, debility, and possible disease transmission.
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