Horn Fly Dispersal1

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Abstract
Tests were conducted at state college, Mississippi, during 1966 to establish the dispersion of horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L). Four procedures for the tests conditions were used and each was replicated 3 times. Procedures of releasing and recapturing marked flies were used to establish movement. Regression curves were computed to predict dispersion for each of the 4 test conditions by the use of a developed regression formula. Recaptured marked horn fly numbers decreased significantly as the distance from the release point increased, but a significant number of horn flies were recaptured at each collection point. Flies were found to move distances in excess of 400 yards. Tests indicted fly movement was principally nocturnal. A significantly larger number of flies moved at night than in the daytime. It is concluded that the ability of the horn fly to fly aggressively, especially during night-time hours, has been greatly underestimated. These flies are very active in seeking a suitable host.

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