The age-structure and biting behaviour of Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) from Manaus, Brazil

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Abstract
The physiological age of female Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) caught biting horses during seven all-day catches and 20 catches in the morning or afternoon during the rainy season (January-July) in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, was determined by examination of their ovaries. Males and unmated females with undeveloped ovaries had similar biting patterns, with peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon, when the relative humidity was between 50 and 80%. Nulliparous inseminated females with ovaries at Stages II to V attacked throughout the day, with no pronounced peaks, whereas parous females showed a peak of biting in the late morning and early afternoon. The majority of parous flies had oviposited less than four times and had distended overiolar sacs, indicative of recent oviposition.