Local Distribution of Released Laboratory-Reared Screw-Worm Flies in Relation to Water Sources

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Abstract
Two series of field releases of marked laboratory-reared screwworm flies, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), were carried out in southwest and central Texas to determine the local distribution of the flies in relation to stock ponds and streams. According to samples based on liver-baited trap catches, flies released in a semi-arid brushy area with no running streams tended to congregate around stock ponds, Flies released in an area crossed by running streams continued to disperse beyond a stream 0.8 to 1 mile from the release point to points on a second stream up to 1 mile beyond the first stream. Evidence is presented that the flies were channeled to some traps by terrain features. Local concentrations of flies on the stream nearest the release point persisted for 3 to 4 days. Peak catches of flies were noted on the third day following release. During the hot dry weather of late summer flies could not be detected along either stream.

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