PREVALENCE OF Cuterebra emasculator IN SQUIRRELS IN MISSISSIPPI

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Abstract
Between 1977-1979, 1997 gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and 290 fox squirrels (S. niger) were examined for C. emasculator myiasis. Approximately 19% of the gray and 5% of the fox squirrels were infested with 1.9 and 2.5 larvae/host, respectively. Myiasis was seen between Aug. 14th and Oct. 29th. Peak infestations occurred in the 2nd week of Sept. Adult and subadult squirrels had higher infestations than juveniles. Multiple infestations occurred in 51% of the hosts. Larval development sites were most prevalent in the axillary and back regions. The parasite was most prevalent in bottomland or flatland topography and hardwood habitat in east-central Mississippi. Fecundity of 4 virgin female flies averaged 771 eggs. [This study has importance for squirrel management.].