Haematobosca stimulans explained

Haematobosca stimulans is a fly from the family Muscidae.[1] [2] It is an ectoparasite which feeds on the blood of mammals.

Description

See Morphology of Diptera for terms.The proboscis is of the blood-sucking type, strongly sclerotised, at least as long ashead, without distinct labella. The lower squama is broadly rounded at the apex, its inner margin strongly diverging from scutellum throughout. The palpi are much more than half as long as the mentum. The hypopleuronis bare. The subcostal vein is setulose. Notopleuron hairy. Length 5-6ยท5 mm.

Biology

Eggs are laid in almost fresh cow-dung. The larvae are trimorphic and leave the egg in the first instar and may reach maturity without resorting to carnivory. Adults are found around cattle on which they feed, and in farm buildings such as milking parlours etc. Flight from May to October.

Notes and References

  1. Book: D'Assis Fonseca, E.C.M.. 1968 . Diptera Cyclorrhapha Calyptrata: Muscidae . 118pp. Royal Entomological Society of London. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects. 10. London..
  2. Book: Gregor, F. . Rozkosny, R. . Bartak, M. . Vanhara, J. . 2002 . The Muscidae (Diptera) of Central Europe. 280pp. Masaryk University. Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Masarykianae Brunensis. 107. Masaryk..