Epizootiology of Heterotylenchus Autumnalis (Nematoda) Among Face Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in Central Iowa, USA1

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Abstract
The prevalence of the nematode Heterotylenchus autumnalis in female Musca autumnalis populations was studied during 1978, 1979, and 1980. Adult face flies swept from cattle dung demonstrated a seasonal nematode prevalence of 9.4% in 1978, 7.4% in 1979, and 19.3% in 1980. A seasonal prevalence of 2.9% was observed among flies swept from fences and cattle in 1978. The comparable 1980 estimate was 4.7%. Most flies having ovaries invaded by nematode larvae were collected primarily on cattle droppings. Host castration usually occurred after the 1st oviposition. Adult nematodes were not independently randomly distributed among their hosts. The hypothetical net reproductive rate of a uniformly nematode-infected face fly population was estimated to be 27% of that of an uninfected but otherwise similar population. The impact of Heterotylenchus parasitism on its host populations was calculated.