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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Mosquito and Fly Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #316602
Research Project: Management of Filth Flies

Location: Mosquito and Fly Research

Title: House and stable fly seasonal abundance, larval development substrates, and natural parasitism on small equine farms in Florida

Author
item MACHTINGER, ERIKA - University Of Florida
item LEPPLA, NORMAN - University Of Florida
item Hogsette, Jerome - Jerry

Submitted to: Neotropical Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/28/2016
Publication Date: 2/22/2016
Citation: Machtinger, E.T., Leppla, N.C., Hogsette, Jr, J.A. 2016. House and stable fly seasonal abundance, larval development substrates, and natural parasitism on small equine farms in Florida. Neotropical Entomology. 45(4):433-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-016-0376-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-016-0376-z

Interpretive Summary: This study was designed to determine adult fly population levels and development substrates on four small equine farms. Results showed that fly adults were present year-round, but population levels differed among farms and seasons. Immature flies were found on two of the farms, suggesting that management differences may affect fly development. Six development substrates were identified as the most common among the farms. Stable fly puparia were found mostly in hay mixed with equine manure and house fly puparia were found in fresh pine shavings mixed with equine manure. Parasitism by wasps was minimal, and most specimens were in the genus Spalangia.

Technical Abstract: This 1-year study was designed to determine adult fly population levels and development substrates on four small equine farms. Results showed that pest flies were present year-round, but differences existed in population levels among farms and seasons. Fly larvae were not found on two of the farms, suggesting that subtle differences in husbandry may adversely affect fly development. Six development substrates were identified as the most common among the farms. Stable fly puparia were found overwhelmingly in hay mixed with equine manure and house fly puparia were found in fresh pine shavings mixed with equine manure. Natural parasitism was minimal, and greatest numbers collected were of the genus Spalangia.