Biological Studies on the Horse Flies of NewYork

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Abstract
Horse flies are considered the most injurious bloodsucking pests of cattle in New York. The principal spp. are Tabanus vicarius, T. lasiophthalmus and Chrysops vittata. The immature stages of the majority of spp. of horse flies are spent in mud, water, algae,etc. Since only about 6 larvae of T. vicarius have been found by previous investigations, an effort was made to find the habitat of this species. It has been detd. beyond reasonable doubt that the normal habitat of T. vicarius in New York is pastures and meadows. For quantitative larval collections a new technique is descr.: Sod, algae, etc. were spread on wire racks over pans of water; as the material dried the larvae dropped into the water. On the avg. 1 larva for 1 sq. ft. of sod was recovered. Laboratory rearing indicated a 1:1 sex ratio. It is calculated that at least 10,000 females are produced per acre. The complete life-cycle was found to require from 1 to 2 years. C. vittata was reared from egg to adult in the laboratory, for the first time, in mud in pans with a moisture gradient. Small larvae of crane flies and /or blow flies were used for food. 132 adults were thus reared and the complete life-cycle is given. On the basis of the habitat of T. vicarius, possible control measures are suggested.

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