A huge taon that bits humans and horses in Mauricie

The yellow stripe taon. Meanwhile, which attacks humans and horses, forced the cancellation of a whole month of activities of a Mauricie company.

“It is a huge insect whose bite is very painful. In addition, I would say the equivalent of a cigarette that we crush on the skin,” explains Journal Sylvie Ferland, who holds a stable north of Trois-Rivières.

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The yellow stripe taon is indigenous in Quebec but global warming could benefit its dispersion. huge taon bits humans horses new However, Inaturalist photo iNaturalist

The yellow stripe taon (Hybomitra zonalis) has become a real nuisance in his property. However, To the point where all zootherapy activities with horses were canceled in July. Moreover, About fifty reservations have been dismissed, which represents a huge financial loss.

It is the third summer that Zootherapy Mauricie suffered the presence of this insect. In addition, but the first which forces the cancellation of its activities.

“Horses are going to be crazy when they are bothered. Therefore, They rush as in a rodeo. However, It is dangerous for us as for our customers, ”summarizes the biologist who launched her business in 2018.

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The biologist Sylvie Ferland had to close her business, Zootherapy Mauricie, due to the problems caused by the presence of an insect biker called taon with yellow stripes. Photo provided by Sylvie Ferland Sylvie Ferland

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Sylvie Ferland practices zootherapy from different populations, including the elderly. She was reported at TVA when she presented herself with a donkey in a CHSLD in Shawinigan. New VAT photo New VAT

A fly from our home

Being able to measure 2.5 cm, the yellow striped taon is one of the 70 species of flies present in Quebec. “Like the Maringouin. the black fly, it is the female who stings to allow her eggs to hatch,” says the entomologist Julia Mlynarek, of the Montreal insectarium.

She emphasizes that this fly is native to us, and is therefore not an exotic species. But hot and humid climates promote its reproduction. “It is attracted to animals, which is why it can be more present around a stable,” she continues.

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This yellow stripe taon causes very painful bites but does not transport pathogen like some mosquitoes. Inaturalist photo iNaturalist

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Entomologist Julia Mlynarek, from the Montreal insectarium. Insectarium photo Insectarium

Ineffective insect

As this fly lives in isolated. not huge taon bits humans horses new in colony like domestic bees, it is almost impossible to get rid of it. M^me Mlynarek mentions that aromatic plants such as lavender or lemongrass can mask the smell of mammals. But it is far from an absolute protection. As for insecticides, M^me Ferland believes that they are of no use.

Holding a master’s degree in biology – she studied insects in Nunavut! -, she tries to take things with philosophy.

Huge taon bits humans horses new

Second biggest

The yellow striped taon is one of the largest species of horseshoe. (Tabanidae) Observable in Quebec.

However, it is not the biggest. This title returns to Hitanother species of taon, more massive and dark, which can exceed 3 cm long.

The bite of this fly is painful but does not cause any particular health problems. because the insect does not transport diseases as do some mosquitoes and ticks.