Observations on the Biology of the Stablefly in Florida

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Abstract
Results of tests on the development and feeding habits of the various stages of Stomoxys calcitrans are given. The min. incubation period of the eggs, at 28[degree] C, was 19 hrs. and the max. 120 hrs., the calculated arithmetical mean being 52.3 hrs. In Richardson''s medium at 30[degree] C, first instars occurred from the 1st to 80th hrs., 2d instars from the 44th to 144th hrs., and 3d instars from the 97th hr. to pupation. Development in Bay grass was equally as rapid. The minimum pupal period encountered was 5.8 days, and the mean min. was 6.55 days at temps. ranging from 28[degree] to 32[degree] C. Adult flies captured in nature lived an additional period of 47 days in the laboratory. The min. preoviposition period was 8 days and the mean min. 10.6 days. Engorgement time of flies feeding on goats was 11/2 to 8 min. with a mean of 4 min. and 58 sec. Bay grass isolated for 7 days prior to infestation produced < 1/2 a normal fly population. With 14 days isolation the emergence dropped to 19.91%, and this was further reduced to 3.21% by isolation for 21 days. Uninfested grass as old as 21 days need not, therefore, be treated to prevent subsequent fly breeding. The cycle from egg to adult may be as short as 13 days or may, under adverse conditions, require several months.

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