Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Mosquito and Fly Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #255974
Title: Seasonal abundance of stable flies and filth fly pupal parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) at Florida equine facilities

Author
item PITZER, JIMMY - University Of Florida
item KAUFMAN, PHILLIP - University Of Florida
item Hogsette, Jerome - Jerry
item Geden, Christopher - Chris
item TENBROECK, SAUNDRA - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/18/2011
Publication Date: 5/15/2011
Citation: Pitzer, J.B., Kaufman, P.E., Hogsette, Jr, J.A., Geden, C.J., Tenbroeck, S.H. 2011. Seasonal abundance of stable flies and filth fly pupal parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) at Florida equine facilities. Journal of Economic Entomology. 104(3):1108-1115.

Interpretive Summary: When stable flies take blood from horses they can be difficult to use for recreational purposes. Knowing more about when stable flies are likely to be present would facilitate development of management programs. Our 26-month study showed that stable flies are a year-long pest but highest numbers are in March and April. A survey of parasitic wasps, which occur naturally and kill stable flies, showed that 99.9% of those recovered were a species commonly in culture.

Technical Abstract: Stable flies cause problems around horses by taking blood meals and increasing horse activity. Although this is a recognized problem, few equine studies have been conducted. Therefore scientists at the USDA-CMAVE worked cooperatively with University of Florida scientists to conduct a 26-month study to determine stable fly seasonality through weekly trap captures. Flies were present all year long with highest populations in March and April. A concomitant survey of parasitic wasps showed that 99.9% of those recovered were Spalangia spp. This information will be useful for designing stable fly management programs.