Development and Oviposition Preference of House Flies and Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in Six Substrates From Florida Equine Facilities.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
This research investigates the larval development and laying of eggs (oviposition) by house flies and stable flies on six different substrates frequently found in horse breeding facilities. The study aims to understand these insects’ preferences and how such knowledge could potentially lower pest populations.
Research Methodology
The researchers studied the behavior of house flies (Musca domestica L.) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)), two insects commonly considered pests in horse breeding facilities. The study was executed in a laboratory setting where they tested flies’ preference and development success in six substrates typically found in horse farms. The substrates tested were:
- Hay contaminated with urine and manure
- Fresh horse manure
- Fresh pine shaving bedding mixed with urine and manure (less than 12 hours old)
- Pine shaving bedding mixed with urine and manure that had been left to age over 72 hours in a manure pile
- Builders sand bedding contaminated with urine and manure aged three days
- Soil from an overgrazed pasture mixed with urine and manure of varying ages
Research Findings
The study revealed that larvae of house flies failed to develop into adults in the hay, soil, and sand substrates. Stable flies preferred to lay eggs in substrates containing plant material rather than fresh manure. However, puparium formation was highest in fresh manure and the fresh pine shaving substrates when eggs were artificially introduced to the various substrates.
In contrast to house flies, stable flies could develop in all six substrates provided, although the development rate was lower on substrates with soil. In tests where the insects had to choose, fresh manure and fresh pine shaving substrates were the most attractive for house fly oviposition. These substrates also produced the highest number of puparium from artificially added eggs.
Implications
Understanding the oviposition preferences and varied larval development of house flies and stable flies on these substrates can help devise strategies to manage pest populations effectively. For instance, it is possible to decrease pest presence by managing equine waste efficiently and choosing appropriate bedding materials. The research findings highlight the importance of targeted pest management practices in horse breeding facilities.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110620, Gainesville, FL 32611. irishtangerine@ufl.edu.
- USDA-ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 S. W. 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611.
- USDA-ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 S. W. 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611.
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110620, Gainesville, FL 32611.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horses
- Houseflies / growth & development
- Housing, Animal
- Larva / growth & development
- Manure / parasitology
- Oviposition
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Pavan AM, Da-Costa T, Schussler M, Ferla NJ, Johann L, Silva GLD. Acarofauna associated with organic matter in laying aviaries of different rearing systems in Brazil.. Exp Appl Acarol 2023 Aug;90(3-4):203-217.
- Machtinger ET, Weeks EN, Geden CJ. Oviposition Deterrence and Immature Survival of Filth Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) When Exposed to Commercial Fungal Products.. J Insect Sci 2016;16(1).
- Machtinger ET, Leppla NC, Hogsette JA. House and Stable Fly Seasonal Abundance, Larval Development Substrates, and Natural Parasitism on Small Equine Farms in Florida.. Neotrop Entomol 2016 Aug;45(4):433-40.
- Machtinger ET, Geden CJ, Leppla NC. Linear Dispersal of the Filth Fly Parasitoid Spalangia cameroni (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Parasitism of Hosts at Increasing Distances.. PLoS One 2015;10(6):e0129105.
