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The distribution of five species of flies (Diptera: Muscidae) over the bodies of dairy heifers in England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

J. E. Hillerton ,
A. J. Bramley  and
D. M. Broom
J. E. Hillerton
Affiliation:
National Institute for Research in Dairying, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9AT, UK
A. J. Bramley
Affiliation:
National Institute for Research in Dairying, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9AT, UK
D. M. Broom
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 2AJ, UK
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Abstract

Five species of Muscidae were found to be commonly associated with dairy heifers in three areas in southern England. The biting flies Haematobosca stimulans (Mg.) and Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) were relatively rare and fed from the back, flanks and legs. The horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), was present in highest numbers; it rested on the back and fed on the legs, belly and occasionally on the teats. Musca autumnalis Deg. was found mainly on the head and had a restricted season. Hydrotaea irritans (Fall.) had a marked diurnal variation in activity, being most abundant in the morning and evening. It was found on the head but predominantly on the belly and teats. When judged by its site preference on cattle, it is the fly most likely to be involved in the transmission of summer mastitis.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 74 , Issue 1 , March 1984 , pp. 113 - 119
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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References

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