2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 1. Describe oviposition behavior as a timeline from the resting gravid female to the act of oviposition, categorizing the process into a series of discrete behaviors as related to quantifiable chemical stimuli and well characterized physical and biological parameters of the habitat. 2. Develop bioassays to measure each of these discrete behaviors. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Experimental Plans: (1) Perform descriptive studies of oviposition in the field and laboratory; (2) Propose a categorization of behaviors that lead from the stage of the resting gravid female to oviposition; (3) Test each category of behavior as a hypothesis through bioassay or observation that quantifies the number of flies in a population performing the behavior; (4) Propose those stages of behavior that most consistently represent the process of oviposition and that could be tested against any series of stimuli (either presence of stimuli or absence of stimuli); and (5) Develop tests that optimize precision for measurement of the effects of specific stimuli on essential behavioral stages of oviposition. Expected results: Successful completion of this work will provide a framework for understanding chemical and non-chemical influences on the oviposition process of stable flies. These biological observations should lead to practical bioassays for oviposition when coupled with specific stimuli data. 3.Progress Report This SCA was established to describe the oviposition behavior of the stable fly. Laboratory observations on the roles that olfaction and vision play in oviposition site selection of the stable fly have been conducted. The results show that both senses are important. Stable fly antennae showed a response when exposed to certain manure and bacterial associated volatile compounds. Observation of stable fly sensory organs with an electron microscope revealed that several types of olfactory sensory hairs are present. In addition, a type of sensory hair not previously described was discovered in the mouth. These contact sensory organs may play important roles in the detection of specific chemical cues for host or oviposition site location. ADODR monitoring includes regular meetings, phone calls, and e-mails.