Geographic Range and Temporal Patterns of Parasitization of Musca Autumnalis (Diptera: Muscidae) by Thelazia Sp. (Nematoda: Spirurata) in Massachusetts, with Observations on Musca Domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) as an Unsuitable Intermediate Host1

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Abstract
A survey (1976) in Massachusetts of 18 face fly (Musca autumnalis) populations totaling 5479 flies showed all samples to include at least some individuals parasitized by iminatures of the nematode genus Thelazia. Parasitism in the flies ranged from 0.4 to 13.2%. In 1977 a survey of face fly populations associated with 3 separate dairy herds in the western part of the state revealed a bimodal pattern of parasitization. Two peaks, 1 in early summer and 1 in late summer, were observed. Dissections of field-collected face flies and house flies (M. domestica) in 1978 indicated the unsuitability of the latter as an intermediate host. Of 1635 flies of both species examined, 5.7% of the face flies were parasitized by Thelazia larvae, while none of the house flies contained any viable nematodes. Two house flies were found with dead, melanized parasitic nematodes in the abdomen, indicative of a host response.

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