Reproductive potential of stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae) fed cattle, chicken, or horse blood.

The researchers investigated the reproductive potential of stable flies when fed with cattle, chicken, or horse blood. The results revealed that flies fed with chicken blood laid more eggs daily, while those on cattle or horse blood had longer fertility period. Overall, flies fed with cattle or chicken blood exhibited higher lifetime reproductive potential than those fed horse blood.

Research Methodology

• The researchers examined the reproductive potential of different cohorts of stable flies. The flies were divided into groups and each group was provided with either chicken, cattle, or horse blood.
• The measurement of reproductive potential took into consideration different parameters such as the number of eggs laid daily, the duration of fecundity, and the overall egg viability.
• The study also measured the mothers’ investment through the calculation of egg production and their volume.

Research Findings

• Stable flies that were given chicken blood laid about 20% more eggs daily compared to those given cattle or horse blood.
• However, the fertility period, or the period during which the flies were able to lay eggs, was 50% longer for those fed cattle or horse blood.
• When considering both egg viability and total egg production, the lifetime reproductive potential was almost twice as high for flies fed cattle or chicken blood than those fed horse blood. This indicates that the type of blood ingested by stable flies can have a significant effect on their reproduction rates.
• Maternal investment, which accounts both egg production and volume, was highest for flies fed cattle blood, suggesting that the flies were putting more resources into reproducing when fed this type of blood.

Conclusion and Implication

• This study provides the first evidence of stable flies being able to produce viable eggs after feeding on bird blood. Previously, it was unclear whether stable flies could do this.
• The results indicate that stable flies’ interactions with birds may be limited to relatively low-risk scenarios. This conclusion is based on the findings that stable flies fed chicken blood have a shorter fertility period compared to those consuming mammal blood.